Adani Group Delays Mumbai Flight Slot Move to Navi Mumbai Until Next Year

Flight Move Delayed

The Adani Group has delayed its plan to move 30 percent of international flight slots from Mumbai's main airport to Navi Mumbai. No flight transfers will happen during the upcoming winter schedule. The shift is now pushed to the summer schedule, which starts on March 28, 2027.

The Standoff

The decision comes after a disagreement between the Adani Group and global airlines. Carriers had called the earlier plan a forceful transfer. MIAL had proposed moving one-third of passenger and cargo air traffic starting October 1, 2026, to help with terminal redevelopment work at Mumbai's airport. The International Air Transport Association warned that the sudden move could hurt international connectivity and asked for more time and proper talks.

Meeting and Assurances

The Ministry of Civil Aviation stepped in to resolve the tension and told the airport operator to delay the plan and hold talks. Following a meeting on October 13, 2026, with Adani Airports Holding Limited Director Jeet Adani and CEO Arun Bansal, the group promised to protect historical slot allocations and reduce disruptions. The company stated it now has backing from international airlines for the summer schedule plan.

Context

Major airport expansions and new aviation hubs often spark friction between operators trying to balance capacity and airlines protecting their established flight schedules. Government intervention is common in these standoffs to ensure air travel does not get disrupted.