Adani Group Delays International Flight Slot Shift to 2027
The Adani Group has postponed plans to transfer 30% of international flight slots from Mumbai to Navi Mumbai until 2027.
The shift of international flight slots has been deferred to March 28, 2027.
The decision follows a consultative meeting after intervention by the Centre.
International airlines expressed concerns over the abrupt transfer of slots.
The Adani Group has announced a delay in its initiative to relocate 30% of international flight slots from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai to Navi Mumbai International Airport. This decision, made public on October 13, 2026, indicates that no transfers will occur during the upcoming winter schedule, with the new timeline set for the summer schedule starting March 28, 2027.
The postponement was the result of a consultative meeting held today, which involved discussions between Adani Group representatives and the airline community. The intervention by the Centre was crucial in facilitating this dialogue, as tensions had escalated between the Adani Group and international airlines regarding the proposed slot transfers. Adani Airports Holding Limited assured stakeholders that they would minimize disruptions and respect historical slot allocations, committing to no changes for the winter schedule.
The Adani Group has reportedly secured support from various international airlines for the planned shift in the summer schedule. This comes after airlines expressed their concerns over what they termed a “forceful” transfer of flight slots, which could jeopardize Mumbai's international connectivity. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) had previously urged for a more consultative approach to avoid cutting existing slots and to allow adequate time for the transition.
The original proposal from Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) aimed to transfer about one-third of each airline's passenger and cargo traffic from Mumbai to Navi Mumbai starting October 1, 2026. This plan was linked to the redevelopment of Terminal 1, which would involve shifting some domestic flights to Terminal 2 and relocating international flights to Navi Mumbai. However, the backlash from airlines prompted the Ministry of Civil Aviation to step in, leading to the deferral of the plan and the convening of today's meeting.
Looking ahead, the Adani Group will now focus on preparing for the summer schedule while addressing the concerns raised by the airline industry. The outcome of this meeting may shape future discussions on airport operations and international connectivity in India, particularly as stakeholders work to balance redevelopment needs with the operational realities faced by airlines.
