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Why are foreign airlines asking the government to protect Mumbai airport slots?
Foreign airlines are seeking government intervention to protect their historical flight slots at Mumbai airport amid proposed changes. This issue affects international travel routes and could impact flight operations for Indian and foreign passengers.
By SafarSamachar Desk · 7 Nov 2026
Illustration1What is the issue between foreign airlines and Mumbai airport?
Foreign airlines are protesting against Mumbai airport’s decision to deny them summer 2027 flight slots as part of a plan to shift operations to Navi Mumbai. They claim the decision was made without proper consultation and could disrupt their operations.
2Who is affected by this change?
Foreign airlines that operate from Mumbai, as well as passengers traveling on international routes from the airport, are affected. Airlines like Emirates and Air France-KLM are among those seeking to protect their slots.
3From when will the changes take effect?
The proposed shift of flights to Navi Mumbai is set to begin in April 2027. Terminal 1 at Mumbai airport is scheduled to close in October 2027 for redevelopment.
4What is the impact of this change on flight operations?
The change could disrupt existing flight schedules, affect passenger connectivity, and impact interline and codeshare arrangements. Airlines are concerned about the lack of consultation and the sudden nature of the proposed capacity reduction.
5What are the airlines asking the government to do?
Airlines are requesting the Civil Aviation Ministry to intervene and ensure that historical flight slots are not denied or reallocated unilaterally. They want the airport to follow prescribed slot allocation guidelines and consult stakeholders before making changes.
6Have any airlines already moved their flights?
Yes, some Indian airlines like IndiGo, Air India Express, and Akasa Air have already announced plans to shift some of their international flights to Navi Mumbai. However, most of the remaining 132 flights are operated by foreign airlines.
7What is the government’s current stance on this issue?
The government is examining the complaint and has asked Adani Airport Holdings to respond. A decision is pending after receiving inputs from the airport operator. The Ministry has not yet approved or rejected the proposed changes.
This explainer is based on our news report: Foreign airlines ask Civil Aviation Ministry to protect historical flight slots amid proposed changes
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