Adani Airport's Decision Sparks Row, 12 Foreign Airlines Approach Government Over Mumbai Flight Slots

Mumbai: A decision by Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL), which operates Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL), has triggered a dispute involving 12 foreign airlines. The carriers have approached the Ministry of Civil Aviation after reportedly being denied Terminal 2 (T2) slots for the summer schedule beginning in March 2027.

The dispute centres on a proposal to shift selected international flights from Mumbai's existing airport to the new Navi Mumbai International Airport.

Airlines Oppose Relocation

According to the report, the airport operator has proposed transferring flights connecting Mumbai with Doha, Riyadh, Jeddah, Muscat, Kuwait and Kathmandu to Navi Mumbai.

The move is intended to reduce congestion at Terminal 2, which handles substantial international passenger traffic.

However, affected airlines argue that shifting established operations without adequate consultation could disrupt their schedules and inconvenience passengers.

The 12 carriers reportedly include Qatar Airways, Saudia, Oman Air, Air Arabia and Nepal Airlines, alongside other Gulf-based operators.

These airlines maintain that they have operated from Mumbai's main airport for years and should not face compulsory relocation without their consent.

They have also questioned whether the proposed changes comply with international aviation arrangements.

Indian Airlines' Role

The controversy has also raised questions about the involvement of domestic airlines.

According to the report, IndiGo and Air India were initially asked to consider moving certain operations to Navi Mumbai.

The domestic carriers reportedly sought similar relocation requirements for foreign airlines, prompting the airport operator to reconsider international slot allocations.

However, the suggestion that domestic airlines influenced the decision remains an allegation rather than an independently established fact.

Government Intervention Sought

The Airline Operators Committee has reportedly requested the Civil Aviation Ministry to intervene and ask the airport operator to reconsider its decision.

The dispute highlights growing concerns over airport capacity, airline operating rights and the transition to Navi Mumbai.

A resolution will be important for airlines planning their March 2027 schedules.

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