Shift to Navi Mumbai or stop flying to Mumbai: Adani Airports CEO tells foreign airlines

Adani Airport Holdings CEO Arun Bansal on Tuesday (November 3, 2026) said international airlines unwilling to shift their operations to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) could stop flying to Mumbai.

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The disagreement comes as Adani-owned Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL) prepares to undertake redevelopment work at Terminal 1, necessitating the relocation of a portion of flight operations currently handled at Terminal 2 to Navi Mumbai. The proposed shift has faced resistance from international airlines, which have raised concerns over the lack of adequate consultation, the impact on passengers and the operational implications of splitting their Mumbai operations between two airports.

Defending the airport operator’s position, Mr. Bansal said airlines had been given notice to vacate the existing facilities from April, adding that where they chose to operate subsequently was their decision.

“Like a landlord tells its airlines to vacate his property… we have told airlines you have to vacate from April. After that where you go is your choice,” he told reporters on the sidelines of the India Aviation Summit 2026.