Mumbai’s airport reshuffle becomes India’s biggest near-term aviation story

Mumbai’s airport network is heading towards a major operational reset, with approximately 265 weekly international departures at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport potentially being temporarily withdrawn from 25 October as domestic operations are reorganised around Terminal 1 redevelopment.

Around 46 airlines are affected. Of the roughly 770 weekly international departure slots at Terminal 2, about one-third are being temporarily removed. IndiGo is expected to lose 74 weekly international departures, Air India 33, Akasa 11 and Air India Express seven, while Emirates and Etihad face reductions of 10 each.

Why B2B travel should care: this is not merely an airport-infrastructure story. It could affect international inventory, tour packaging, corporate travel, connecting itineraries and fares out of India’s largest aviation market.

The Civil Aviation Ministry was also due to engage airlines on the issue, while airlines have questioned the consultation process and the readiness of Navi Mumbai International Airport.

Trade takeaway: October and November inventory from Mumbai needs particularly close monitoring.

#Tags: #MumbaiAviation #IndianAviation #AirportInfrastructure #AviationIndustry #TravelIndustry #IndiaTourism