In a recent update, Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) is all geared up for a major redevelopment of Terminal 1. As per official reports, the nearly 80-year-old Terminal 1 will stop handling flights from 25 October 2026. According to an official announcement by Adani Airports, dated October 3, the operator plans to start the phased redevelopment of the northern section of Terminal 1B in January 2027.The announcement cites safety concerns involving the ageing infrastructure and says the redevelopment is necessary to improve capacity. Meanwhile, a Reuters report published on October 13 states that the proposed flight cuts linked to the redevelopment have been deferred by a few weeks following discussions with the government and airlines.Why is Mumbai Airport redeveloping Terminal 1?
Mumbai, Oct 3 (IANS) Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport will begin phased redevelopment of the North Section of Terminal 1B from January 2027 with safety concerns over the 60-year-old structure prompting the move, airport operator Adani Airport Holdings Ltd said on Saturday.
Mumbai’s Terminal 1 is a crucial part of the city’s busy aviation network, serving domestic passengers travelling to and from the financial capital. However, the airport operator has raised concerns about the condition of the terminal, which is around 60 years old.In its October 3 announcement, Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL), which operates CSMIA through Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL), said that the redevelopment would initially focus on the northern section of Terminal 1B. The operator also referred to a fire incident at Terminal 1 in April 2026.Will Terminal 1 shut completely from October 25?
Adani asked to defer Mumbai airport’s international flight shift to Navi Mumbai
The October 25 date has been associated with proposed changes to flight operations, but it is important.As per official announcement, work on the northern section of Terminal 1B is scheduled to begin in January 2027. The company said that only part of Terminal 1 would be taken out of operation during the first phase and not the whole terminal would be closed at once.A Reuters report dated October 13 stated that MIAL had proposed reducing international departure slots at Terminal 2 to accommodate domestic flights displaced by the Terminal 1 redevelopment.It also said that October 25 should not be treated as a confirmed date for the complete closure of Terminal 1 and that travellers should wait for confirmed airline notifications.How will the redevelopment affect passengers?For travellers, the most immediate concern is whether their flight will operate as scheduled and which airport terminal they will need to use.Passengers flying from Mumbai around October 25 should take the following precautions:
- Check your flight status
- Look for official notifications
- Do not assume anything
- Recheck with your flight before travelling
- Allow sufficient travel time
Could flights move to Navi Mumbai International Airport?
Mumbai airport redevelopment sparks a standoff between airlines and Adani Airports over shifting international flights to Navi Mumbai (Representative Image)
Meanwhile, Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is expected to play an important role in accommodating some of the traffic affected by the Mumbai airport redevelopment.As per official statement, airlines had been given the option to temporarily relocate their operations to NMIA at their discretion.As of now, travellers should stay alert and updated with their flight operators and rely only on official reports.
