IATA opposes forced airline shift to Navi Mumbai Airport

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has raised concerns about the way Adani Airport Holdings Ltd (AAHL) is managing the two-airport system in Mumbai. They worry that AAHL might pressure airlines to move operations to the new Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMI) before it is fully ready. This concern comes as the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) in Mumbai plans to demolish Terminal 1 in October for expansion. All flights will shift to Terminal 2, which can handle 45 million passengers each year. Aera, the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority, has organized discussions about charging practices at Mumbai Airport, with comments from stakeholders due by April 19. Navi Mumbai International Airport is set to start operations in June. Its Terminal 1 can serve 15 million passengers, with 10 million expected to transfer from CSMIA. The reconstruction of Terminal 1 will be completed by September 2028, increasing its capacity to 20 million passengers. IATA's country director for India, Amitabh Khosla, expressed hope that airlines will not face undue pressure to relocate operations. He emphasized the need for fair practices within the airport system. Similarly, an Air India executive requested clarity on how CSMIA will handle the impact of closing Terminal 1 while enhancing Terminal 2. In addition, Mumbai Airport has proposed to increase User Development Fees (UDF) for domestic passengers to ₹325 and for international flights to ₹650. However, they plan to decrease landing and parking fees by 35% to support airlines.