IndiGo and Air India Group will begin moving some domestic and international flights from Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) to the new Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) starting December 2026. This phased shift is designed to free up space at CSMIA for the redevelopment of Terminal 1, which will increase passenger capacity and modernize facilities.
- IndiGo will start international flights from NMIA in February 2027, transferring 12 daily international departures.
- Air India Express will begin moving four daily domestic flights to NMIA in December 2026, followed by international flights in January 2027.
- The redevelopment of Terminal 1 at CSMIA will increase its annual capacity from 15 million to 20 million passengers.
- Navi Mumbai International Airport currently handles 20 million passengers annually, with plans to expand to 90 million.
- The transition aims to maintain seamless connections and preserve airlines' operating slots at CSMIA.
Why Are Flights Moving to Navi Mumbai International Airport?
The main reason for shifting flights to NMIA is to allow redevelopment work at CSMIA's Terminal 1. The terminal is being upgraded to handle more passengers, improve safety, and modernize passenger services and digital systems. By moving some flights to NMIA, authorities can carry out construction without severely disrupting air traffic.
What Flights Will IndiGo and Air India Group Move?
IndiGo plans to start international operations from NMIA in February 2027. It will transfer 12 daily international flights from CSMIA to destinations including Bahrain, Riyadh, Dammam, Jeddah, Madinah, Kuwait, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Muscat, Dhaka, and Jakarta. IndiGo will also add a new daily flight to Kathmandu. To support these international flights, IndiGo will shift necessary domestic connections to NMIA to ensure smooth travel for passengers.
Air India Group will begin by moving Air India Express's four daily domestic flights to NMIA in December 2026. From January 2027, it will also shift international flights to Kuwait and Oman, along with services to Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam, Doha, Muscat, and Sharjah. The full transition is expected to be complete by the Northern Summer 2027 season.
How Will This Affect Flight Slots and Airlines?
The move follows disagreements over proposed reductions in flight slots at CSMIA. The airport operator suggested cutting 265 of 770 weekly international departures to accommodate redevelopment. IndiGo faced a proposed cut of 74 weekly international flights, Air India 33, and Air India Express 7. Airlines requested evidence-based assessments before agreeing to these changes.
The phased transition plan aims to preserve airlines' historic operating slots at CSMIA while allowing redevelopment. After construction, airlines' slots at CSMIA will be restored.
What Are the Capacities of the Two Airports?
CSMIA currently handles about 55 million passengers annually. During redevelopment, approximately 91% of traffic will remain at CSMIA. Terminal 1's upgrade will increase its capacity from 15 million to 20 million passengers per year.
Navi Mumbai International Airport, developed by an Adani-led consortium, started commercial operations on December 25. It is designed to handle 20 million passengers annually in its initial phase, with plans to expand capacity to 90 million in later stages.
What Are the Benefits of This Transition?
The transition will help manage growing passenger numbers by expanding airport capacity. It will also allow airlines to introduce new international routes from CSMIA across Asia, Africa, and Europe, supported by IndiGo's expanding Airbus fleet, including the A321XLR.
Passengers can expect improved facilities and seamless connections between domestic and international flights as airlines coordinate schedules between the two airports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When will IndiGo start international flights from Navi Mumbai?
A: IndiGo plans to begin international operations from Navi Mumbai International Airport in February 2027.
Q: Why is the flight shift happening?
A: The shift allows redevelopment of Terminal 1 at Mumbai's main airport to increase capacity and improve facilities.
Q: Will airlines lose their flight slots at Mumbai airport?
A: Airlines' historic slots at CSMIA will be preserved and restored after redevelopment is complete.
Q: How many passengers does Navi Mumbai International Airport handle?
A: NMIA currently handles 20 million passengers annually, with plans to increase capacity to 90 million in future phases.
Q: What new destinations will IndiGo serve from Navi Mumbai?
A: IndiGo will serve destinations including Bahrain, Riyadh, Dammam, Jeddah, Madinah, Kuwait, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Muscat, Dhaka, Jakarta, and a new daily flight to Kathmandu.
