IATA Raises Concerns Over Adani’s Handling of Mumbai Airports
IATA Raises Concerns Over Adani’s Handling of Mumbai Airports
The International Air Transport Association (IATA), which represents global airlines, has raised concerns over Adani Airport Holdings Ltd (AAHL) using its control over both Mumbai airports to push air traffic towards the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMI).
The issue comes as Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), managed by AAHL, is set to close Terminal 1 (T1) in October 2025 for expansion. All T1 operations will move to Terminal 2 (T2), which can handle 45 million passengers per year. Meanwhile, the new Navi Mumbai airport is expected to start operations in June 2025. Out of T1’s 15 million passengers, 10 million will be shifted to NMI, while 5 million will move to T2. The reconstruction of T1 is expected to be completed by September 2028, increasing its capacity to 20 million passengers per year.
At a meeting held by the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) on Mumbai Airport’s tariff plans until 2029, IATA’s India head, Amitabh Khosla, expressed concerns about airlines being forced to shift operations to Navi Mumbai. He urged that airlines should not be compelled to move just to boost the new airport’s business.
Air India also raised concerns, with an executive asking how CSMIA plans to manage the impact of T1’s closure while upgrading T2.
An unnamed AAHL executive assured that discussions are ongoing with airlines to create a transition plan.
Mumbai Airport has also proposed increasing User Development Fees (UDF) and aeronautical charges. Currently, domestic passengers do not pay UDF, but a new fee of ₹325 has been suggested. For international passengers, the UDF may rise from ₹187 to ₹650. To balance this, the airport has proposed cutting parking and landing charges by 35% to ease costs for airlines.
Stakeholders can submit their feedback on the proposal by April 9, with counter-comments due by April 19. AERA will then make a final decision on the changes.
