Adani Airports to begin partial redevelopment of Mumbai Airport’s Terminal 1B from Jan 2027; says 91% of traffic to be unaffected

Adani Airports-operated Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) will begin the phased redevelopment of the North Section of Terminal 1B at Mumbai Airport from January 2027, citing safety concerns around the 60-year-old infrastructure. The redevelopment will temporarily affect around 5 million passengers annually, or about 9% of Mumbai Airport’s total passenger traffic of approximately 55 million passengers per annum (mppa). The remaining 91% of passenger traffic will continue to operate as usual.

The North Section of Terminal 1B, which accounts for around one-third of Terminal 1’s capacity, will be demolished in the first phase. Airlines have been given the option to temporarily relocate their operations to Navi Mumbai International Airport during the redevelopment.

“91% of Mumbai Airport’s passenger traffic will remain unaffected even as we undertake redevelopment of the age-old infrastructure that was in urgent need of repairs. Only the North Section of Terminal 1B, which accounts for around one-third of T1 of Mumbai Airport’s capacity, is being demolished in Phase 1 to minimise passenger inconvenience and operational disruption. The transition to Navi Mumbai Airport is temporary and does not represent a permanent shift of Mumbai Airport traffic,” said Arun Bansal, CEO, Adani Airport Holdings Limited.

T1 capacity to rise 33% after redevelopment

Terminal 1 has been a safety concern for several years, with temporary mitigation measures in place because passengers and airlines have no alternative. The risks of continuing operations became more pronounced after a fire at the terminal in April this year, according to MIAL. With Navi Mumbai International Airport now operational, MIAL said the redevelopment of Terminal 1 can be undertaken in phases rather than through a complete shutdown.

The redevelopment is expected to increase Terminal 1’s capacity by 33%, from the current 15 mppa to 20 mppa. MIAL said Terminal 1 will also restore all historical slots and provide additional slots for airlines after the redevelopment. “Extensive consultations with airlines on the future of Terminal 1 have been ongoing since 2020, and the proposed redevelopment was also presented before AERA and subsequently incorporated into the approved tariff framework. While we appreciate the concerns expressed by certain airlines, passenger safety must remain paramount, and any further delay in commencing this process could adversely impact the safety and convenience of millions of travellers,” Bansal said.

Navi Mumbai International Airport is offering a 100% discount on landing fees for new international flights. It also plans to offer cash vouchers to international passengers to offset the difference in the User Development Fee (UDF) charged at Navi Mumbai and Mumbai airports.

“Its availability makes it possible to undertake the redevelopment of T1 of Mumbai Airport in phases, instead of shutting down the entire terminal and causing greater disruption to passengers and airlines,” Bansal said.

Netizens react to the news

The redevelopment announcement has divided the internet. Some users say that the renovation is timely. "T1 is crumbling. Before that roof falls on people, what else can be done..? It has to be renovated. Anyways, T1 handles 15mn pax, it is transferring only 5mn to Navi Mumbai airport," a user posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Another user showed disappointment as it would cause addtional travel time to other airports in the city. "Flights from T1 are planned to be moved to T2 & Navi Mumbai Airport. T1 will undergo major transformation. Airlines & passengers are not happy," another X post read.