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Mumbai Airport Deadlock: Airlines Demand Safety Reports and Slot Cut Clarity
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CNBC TV18•10-10-2026, 11:51
Mumbai Airport Deadlock: Airlines Demand Safety Reports and Slot Cut Clarity
- •The Airline Operators Committee has requested MIAL to present detailed Terminal 1 redevelopment plans, structural safety reports, and capacity data during the upcoming October 13 stakeholder meeting.
- •Airlines are strongly opposing the proposed 33 percent reduction in international departure slots at Terminal 2, stating the cut was never discussed or agreed upon.
- •The Ministry of Civil Aviation previously intervened to put MIAL's transition plan on hold, directing the airport operator to consult stakeholders for an agreeable solution.
- •Airlines are pushing for a review of conformity with national slot allocation guidelines and want to explore alternatives to relocating operations to Navi Mumbai.
Key Questions Answered
The Airline Operators' Committee has proposed discussing the 33% cut in international departure slots, Terminal 1 structural safety reports, capacity data for T1 and T2 in 2026, terminal redevelopment plans, and alternatives to relocating operations to Navi Mumbai International Airport.
The ministry intervened and put the plan on hold because MIAL intended to temporarily discontinue 265 weekly international departure slots at Terminal 2 starting October 25 without prior consultation or agreement with the airlines
The 2013 Slot Allocation Guidelines state that capacity reductions should be avoided whenever possible, airlines must be consulted beforehand, and historic slots must be honoured except in the most exceptional circumstances.
