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

Adani Airport Holdings CEO Arun Bansal. Photo courtesy: adani.com

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

The disagreement comes at a time when Adani-owned Mumbai International Airport Ltd. (MIAL) is gearing up for the redevelopment of Terminal 1, which requires shifting some of the flight operations currently handled at Terminal 2 to Navi Mumbai. The proposed move has met with opposition from international airlines, who have raised concerns about the lack of adequate consultation, the impact on passengers and the operational implications of splitting their Mumbai traffic between the two airports.

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

“As a landlord, he is telling his airlines to vacate his property… we have told the airlines that 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.

Published – 03 Nov 2026 17:49 IST