Mumbai airport news: international flight shift deferred

Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL) has postponed its plan to rationalise international flight operations by a few weeks, according to sources. The plan involved moving part of the international traffic to Navi Mumbai airport. MIAL has reportedly already informed airlines of the delay.

Both Mumbai and Navi Mumbai airports fall under Adani Airport Holdings Ltd (AAHL). The company had earlier asked airlines to either reduce their international operations at Navi Mumbai airport by 33 percent or discontinue them by October 25, to balance traffic between the two airports.

Airlines did not support the proposal and raised objections. The Ministry of Civil Aviation then called a meeting of all stakeholders on October 6, where it suggested that the implementation be put off.

Following that meeting, MIAL told airlines it had decided to defer the plan. Sources said MIAL cited an assurance from the industry that it would work towards a solution supporting the airport's redevelopment programme. The October 25 deadline may therefore no longer stand, though no new date has been announced.

For now, airlines have more time to plan their schedules and can continue operating as they do at present. Passengers with international bookings from Mumbai are unlikely to face sudden changes in the near term. However, the plan has only been deferred, not cancelled, and a fresh timeline could follow once the airport operator, airlines and the ministry hold further talks.

Until the stakeholders agree on a way forward, the shift of some international flights to Navi Mumbai remains on hold. Travellers should keep checking with their airlines for updates on schedules and the airport from which their flights will operate.

Avionyz will continue to follow this story and share updates as more details emerge.

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