Government Postpones Proposal to Cut 265 Flights at Mumbai T2
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has delayed the reduction of international flight slots at Mumbai's Terminal 2, seeking a collaborative transition plan.
265 international flight slots at Mumbai T2 were set to be cut from October 25.
Airlines raised concerns about the transition and the readiness of Navi Mumbai International Airport.
A follow-up meeting is scheduled for October 13 to finalize the transition plan.
In a significant development for the aviation sector, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has decided to defer the proposed discontinuation of 265 weekly international flight slots at Mumbai's Terminal 2. This decision comes as the government urges the airport operator and airlines to collaborate on a transition plan that accommodates the needs of all stakeholders involved. The initial plan aimed to temporarily halt one-third of the international operations at T2 starting October 25, coinciding with the phased redevelopment of Terminal 1 at the airport.
The proposal to cut flight slots was met with apprehension from airlines, who expressed concerns about the impact on their operations and the preparedness of Navi Mumbai International Airport to handle the additional traffic. During a meeting chaired by the Civil Aviation Secretary, it was emphasized that a comprehensive transition plan must be developed, ensuring that all parties are in agreement before any changes are implemented.
The government has mandated that the airport operator secure all necessary regulatory approvals, including those from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), and the state government. This requirement underscores the importance of regulatory compliance in facilitating a smooth transition. The meeting included representatives from the Civil Aviation Ministry, Airports Authority of India (AAI), Adani Airports, and various airlines, as well as industry bodies like IATA and FIA.
Furthermore, the Ministry has linked the approval of the Major Development Plan (MDP) for Terminal 1's redevelopment to the finalization of the transition plan. This connection highlights the government's strategic approach to ensuring that redevelopment efforts align with operational capabilities. The preparedness of Navi Mumbai International Airport was also discussed, with the operator outlining measures to enhance landside connectivity and ground-handling services to support the transition.
Looking ahead, the airport operator has scheduled another meeting with airlines and stakeholders for October 13 to further refine the transition plan. The government's intervention aims to ensure that the redevelopment of Terminal 1 proceeds without disrupting airline operations, while also addressing the regulatory and operational readiness of Navi Mumbai International Airport.
