Mumbai Airport Terminal 1B North Section to be redeveloped from Jan 2027
Synopsis
India's second-busiest airport is preparing to partially shut down a 60-year-old terminal from January 2027, with safety — not expansion — driving the decision. The move will hit 5 million passengers a year, but Adani Airport Holdings is dangling a 100% landing-fee waiver at Navi Mumbai to soften the blow for airlines.
Key Takeaways
Adani Airport Holdings will begin phased redevelopment of the North Section of Terminal 1B at Mumbai Airport from January 2027 .
The North Section handles approximately 5 million passengers per year , or about 9 per cent of Mumbai's total annual traffic of nearly 55 million passengers .
Safety concerns over the 60-year-old structure, including a fire incident in April , prompted the decision.
Navi Mumbai International Airport is being positioned as an alternative, offering a 100 per cent discount on landing fees for new international flights.
Terminal 1's capacity is expected to rise by 33 per cent to 20 million passengers per annum post-redevelopment.
Consultations with airlines have been ongoing since 2020 ; the plan has been incorporated into the AERA -approved tariff framework.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai will begin phased redevelopment of the North Section of Terminal 1B from January 2027, airport operator Adani Airport Holdings Ltd announced on Saturday, 3 October 2026. Safety concerns over the 60-year-old structure have prompted the move, with the North Section accounting for roughly one-third of Terminal 1's total capacity.
Scale of Disruption
The redevelopment will temporarily deoperationalise capacity handling approximately 5 million passengers per year — around 9 per cent of Mumbai airport's total annual traffic of nearly 55 million passengers. The airport will continue to manage the remaining traffic throughout the redevelopment period, Adani Airport Holdings CEO Arun Bansal confirmed.
What Adani Airport Holdings Said
'Extensive consultations with airlines on the future of Terminal 1 have been ongoing since 2020, and the proposed redevelopment was also presented before AERA and subsequently incorporated into the approved tariff framework. While we appreciate the concerns expressed by certain airlines, passenger safety must remain paramount, and any further delay in commencing this process could adversely impact the safety and convenience of millions of travellers,' Bansal said.
The company noted that concerns over Terminal 1 had been identified for several years, with temporary mitigation measures put in place in the absence of an alternative facility. A fire incident at Terminal 1 in April further underscored the risks of continuing operations in the ageing structure without structural intervention.
Navi Mumbai Airport as an Alternative
Airlines affected by the phased closure have been offered the option of temporarily shifting operations to Navi Mumbai International Airport, which is operated within the same airport group. As an incentive, Navi Mumbai Airport is offering a 100 per cent discount on landing fees for new international flights. The airport also plans to provide cash vouchers to international passengers to offset the difference in the User Development Fee (UDF) levied at Navi Mumbai and Mumbai airports.
Long-Term Capacity Gain
Once the redevelopment is complete, Terminal 1's passenger handling capacity is expected to rise by 33 per cent — from the current 15 million passengers per annum to 20 million passengers per annum. The plan had been presented to the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (AERA) and was incorporated into the approved tariff framework before being finalised.
With the clock now set for a January 2027 start, the coming months will be critical for airlines, passengers, and the regulator to align on operational transition plans at one of India's busiest aviation hubs.
Point of View
However, is the timing: Navi Mumbai Airport, also in the Adani group's fold, stands to gain measurably from the traffic diversion. The 100% landing-fee waiver is a smart incentive, but critics will ask whether the transition plan adequately protects passengers who cannot easily switch airports. AERA's role in signing off on the tariff framework that accommodates this redevelopment also warrants scrutiny — regulators must ensure that the capacity squeeze does not translate into higher fares for the travelling public.
NationPress
3 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Mumbai Airport's Terminal 1B North Section being redeveloped?
The redevelopment is being undertaken primarily due to safety concerns over the 60-year-old structure. A fire incident at Terminal 1 in April further highlighted the risks of continuing operations without structural intervention, according to Adani Airport Holdings.
When will the Terminal 1B redevelopment begin and how long will it last?
The phased redevelopment is scheduled to begin in January 2027. A specific completion timeline has not been publicly announced, but the project is expected to raise Terminal 1's capacity by 33 per cent upon completion.
How many passengers will be affected by the Terminal 1B closure?
Approximately 5 million passengers per year — around 9 per cent of Mumbai Airport's total annual traffic of nearly 55 million — will be affected by the temporary deoperationalisation of the North Section.
What options are available for airlines displaced by the redevelopment?
Airlines have been offered the option of temporarily shifting operations to Navi Mumbai International Airport, which is part of the same Adani airport group. Navi Mumbai Airport is offering a 100 per cent discount on landing fees for new international flights and plans to issue cash vouchers to offset UDF differences for international passengers.
What will Mumbai Airport's Terminal 1 capacity be after redevelopment?
Once redevelopment is complete, Terminal 1's annual passenger handling capacity is expected to increase by 33 per cent, rising from the current 15 million passengers per annum to 20 million passengers per annum.
