Jeet Adani and Arun Bansal assure airlines of no winter slot disruption at Mumbai Airport as a joint working group plans T1 redevelopment.
Jeet Adani and Arun Bansal met with the Airport Operations Committee (AOC) of Mumbai Airport to discuss the redevelopment of the ageing Terminal 1 (T1) infrastructure, with a focus on minimising disruption to airline operations and ensuring a smooth transition during the redevelopment process.
According to a spokesperson for Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL), the meeting resulted in a commitment to fully respect historical slot allocations and ensure that no slots are disturbed during the upcoming winter schedule.
The assurance is expected to provide greater clarity to airlines operating from Mumbai Airport as stakeholders prepare for the redevelopment of Terminal 1.
Joint Working Group to Develop T1 Redevelopment Plan
As part of the discussions, both sides agreed to establish a joint working group that will work over the next two weeks to formulate a plan for implementing the redevelopment of the ageing T1 infrastructure.
The initiative aims to address infrastructure requirements while minimising operational disruptions for airlines and passengers.
Airlines also committed to supporting the redevelopment process and traffic balancing measures beginning with the summer schedule. This approach is intended to facilitate a more coordinated transition as infrastructure improvements progress.
Airlines Can Shift Operations to Navi Mumbai Airport
The meeting also addressed the role of Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) in supporting aviation capacity in the Mumbai metropolitan region.
According to the MIAL spokesperson, full support will be provided to any airline seeking to shift some or all of its operations to NMIA.
The option could offer airlines additional operational flexibility as the region’s airport infrastructure expands and traffic management requirements evolve.
Follow-Up Meeting Scheduled for October 28
Both teams agreed to hold a follow-up meeting on October 28. Until then, the respective teams will continue engaging with individual airlines’ network planning and slot management teams.
The discussions are expected to help stakeholders coordinate their operational requirements, address concerns and work towards a practical implementation plan for the Terminal 1 redevelopment.
The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both sides expressing appreciation and reaffirming their commitment to developing Mumbai Airport to the standards expected by the city’s residents and the wider aviation community.
The assurances on historical slot allocations, winter schedule stability and coordination with airlines are central to the effort to balance infrastructure modernisation with operational continuity.
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