Two Airports, One Plan
Mumbai has India’s most congested airport, while Navi Mumbai is about to open. Since the same company runs both, it is now planning how to share flights between them. The aim is to reduce pressure on Mumbai airport and slowly prepare the region for future passenger growth.
Navi Mumbai Airport Opens on December 25
Navi Mumbai airport will start handling passengers from December 25. Even after this, most domestic and international flights will continue to operate from Mumbai airport. Only a small number of flights will be shifted initially, mainly to ease congestion during busy hours.
Only a Few Flights Will Move First
There will be no sudden shift of flights. Only one or two flights, especially those operating during peak hours, may be moved to Navi Mumbai. This is meant to slightly reduce congestion at Mumbai airport without disturbing regular operations.
Mumbai’s Runway Is Overworked
Mumbai airport operates with a single main runway. It is designed to handle 44 take-offs and landings per hour. However, during peak hours, this limit is often crossed. On December 12, as many as 52 flights landed within one hour, according to official data.
Charter Flights Add to the Load
The runway crosses its limit mainly because of heavy charter aircraft movement. On some days, the runway handled between 45 and 50 flights per hour multiple times. This puts pressure on air traffic control and raises safety concerns during peak operating hours.
Changes Likely From Summer Schedule
The adjustments are expected to come into effect from the next summer schedule. The summer schedule begins in the last week of March and runs till October. The current winter schedule is already in place and will continue till then.
Navi Mumbai Expansion to Be Fast-Tracked
Plans are being made to speed up Navi Mumbai airport’s expansion. Phases three and four may be combined to create a terminal capacity of 50 million passengers per year by 2030. Design work has started, and construction is planned in the coming months.
Flight Timings May Change
Instead of adding more flights during busy hours, flight timings may be spread out. Some flights could be moved to non-peak hours. Airlines may also be asked to start new routes from Navi Mumbai to manage overall traffic better.
More Routes Expected in the Future
With two airports operating together, the Mumbai region is expected to get more domestic and international routes. For years, growth has been limited due to single-runway operations. The dual-airport system is expected to ease this long-standing restriction.
Mumbai Terminal 1 Will Be Rebuilt Later
Terminal 1 at Mumbai airport in Vile Parle will be demolished and rebuilt to increase capacity. This will happen only after Navi Mumbai’s next terminal is ready. This ensures the Mumbai region does not lose terminal capacity during the transition period.