Mumbai Airport T1 To See Major Changes: Check Dates, Flights And How Metro 3 Helps | Mumbai-news News
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Mumbai Airport’s T1 is set for phased redevelopment from January 2027. Here’s what flyers need to know about flight shifts and Metro 3
Terminal 1 is being taken up for redevelopment as part of Mumbai airport’s broader infrastructure upgrade.
Mumbai’s airport network is heading for a major change, with Terminal 1 at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport set for phased redevelopment from January 2027.
The redevelopment comes as Mumbai’s aviation infrastructure is being expanded to handle growing passenger traffic. At the same time, Navi Mumbai International Airport is becoming an important part of the region’s aviation network, with some flight operations expected to shift there.
For passengers who regularly use T1, the biggest question is simple: Will the entire terminal shut, and what will happen to flights operating from there? Here is what travellers need to know.
Why Is Mumbai Airport’s T1 Being Redeveloped?
Terminal 1 is being taken up for redevelopment as part of Mumbai airport’s broader infrastructure upgrade.
Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL) has informed the civil aviation ministry that the north section of Terminal 1-B is scheduled for demolition from January 15, 2027. The work will be carried out in phases rather than shutting the entire terminal at once.
The redevelopment is aimed at modernising the airport infrastructure and accommodating the city’s future aviation requirements.
The airport operator has also floated tenders for refurbishment and other infrastructure work at T1, indicating that work around the terminal is already part of a wider redevelopment programme.
Is The Entire T1 Shutting From January 15?
No. This is an important distinction for passengers. The January 15 date relates specifically to the demolition of the north section of T1-B. It does not mean that every part of Terminal 1 will suddenly become non-operational on that day.
The redevelopment is being planned in phases, with flight operations to be adjusted as the work progresses.
For passengers, the practical takeaway is to check the terminal mentioned on the airline’s latest booking or flight information before travelling to the airport.
What Will Happen To T1 Flights?
As the redevelopment progresses, flight operations will be redistributed between Mumbai’s Terminal 2 and Navi Mumbai International Airport.
The changes are part of a wider plan to manage Mumbai’s growing aviation traffic while allowing redevelopment work to proceed. From October 1, 2026, a significant portion of international flight movements is also expected to shift to Navi Mumbai International Airport.
However, passengers should not assume that all flights currently operating from T1 will move to one particular terminal. The operating terminal can depend on the airline and the specific flight.
Mumbai Airport’s current airline information, for example, lists Alliance Air and Star Air at T1, while IndiGo, Akasa Air and SpiceJet operate from either T1 or T2 depending on the service. Air India and Air India Express are currently listed at T2.
When Does The T1 Redevelopment Begin?
The key date for the first demolition phase is January 15, 2027, when work is scheduled to begin on the north section of T1-B.
The changes will therefore be gradual rather than an overnight closure of the entire terminal.
This is particularly important for frequent flyers because the terminal they use today may not necessarily remain the terminal they use throughout the redevelopment period.
How Metro Line 3 Connects To Mumbai Airport
For airport passengers, another major change has already taken place. Mumbai Metro Line 3, also known as the Aqua Line, is the city’s underground north-south Metro corridor connecting Aarey JVLR with Cuffe Parade.
The line has stations at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport-T1 and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport-T2, providing direct Metro connectivity to both airport terminals. The official Metro Line 3 alignment includes both airport stations.
The full 33.5-km corridor now links important parts of south Mumbai with Bandra, the airport and SEEPZ.
Can You Take Metro Line 3 To T1?
Yes. The CSMI Airport-T1 station is an operational station on Metro Line 3. The line also has a separate CSMI Airport-T2 station.
This could become particularly useful during the T1 redevelopment because passengers whose flights are shifted between terminals will have an underground public transport option connecting both airport terminals.
What Are The Metro Line 3 Timings?
According to Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation’s published information, Line 3’s planned operating window is 5 am to midnight.
The current official MMRCL website lists the first Metro from Aarey JVLR at 5:55 am and the last Metro from Cuffe Parade at 10:30 pm.
Because operating schedules can change, passengers with very early or late flights should check the latest service information before depending on the Metro for their airport transfer.
What Makes Metro Line 3 Useful For Airport Passengers?
The biggest advantage is connectivity. Instead of depending entirely on road transport, passengers can use the underground Metro to reach either T1 or T2. The line also connects with major areas including BKC, Santacruz, Bandra and south Mumbai.
MMRCL has specifically planned multi-modal integration facilities at several Line 3 stations, including both airport stations. The work includes facilities such as footpaths, ramps, signage and other infrastructure designed to make transfers between modes of transport easier.
For flyers, this becomes especially relevant as airport operations undergo changes over the coming years.
Will Metro Line 3 Help During The T1 Redevelopment?
It could provide an additional travel option, particularly for passengers who need to reach T1 or T2 without relying solely on road transport.
The Metro’s airport stations mean that passengers can access both terminals on the same line.
However, passengers should remember that the Metro does not determine where their flight departs from. The airline’s latest information remains the final word on the terminal.
What Should Passengers Do Before Going To The Airport?
The safest approach is to check the terminal on the day of travel, particularly once the T1 redevelopment begins.
Passengers should check their airline’s latest flight information, allow sufficient time for security and check-in, and check Metro operating hours if they plan to use Line 3.
Mumbai Airport’s official website also provides live-style estimated waiting information for T1 and T2, along with passenger facilities and transport information.
The Big Change Coming To Mumbai’s Airport Network
The redevelopment of T1 is only one part of a much larger transformation of Mumbai’s aviation system.
Terminal 1 is being redeveloped, Terminal 2 continues to handle a major share of Mumbai’s air traffic, Navi Mumbai International Airport is taking on a growing role, and Metro Line 3 now connects both CSMIA terminals.
For passengers, that means one thing: the Mumbai airport journey is changing.
The most important rule during this transition will be simple – check your terminal before leaving home, check your flight status, and plan your route accordingly.
Quick Answers
Ask News18No, not all flights from Terminal 1 will shift to Navi Mumbai International Airport. During the redevelopment of Terminal 1, flight operations will be redistributed between Mumbai’s Terminal 2 and Navi Mumbai International Airport. Passengers should not assume that all flights currently operating from Terminal 1 will move to a single terminal.
Ask News18September 01, 2026, 17:55 IST
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