Unverified Shift of Mumbai Airport Traffic to Navi Mumbai Causes Worker Concern

A circulating social media message claiming that one-third of air traffic at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) will shift to Navi Mumbai from October 1 has triggered uncertainty among airport staff, even as Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) clarified that it did not issue the statement.

The message states that starting October 1, 2026, one-third of air traffic movement at the Mumbai airport will be transferred to the Navi Mumbai International Airport. This unverified claim surfaced as demolition work on the Terminal 1A building in Santacruz East nears completion.

The prospect of shifted operations has raised practical concerns for ground and janitorial staff at the airport. A large number of these employees reside in neighbouring localities such as Jari Mari and Vile Parle.

A transition of flights to Navi Mumbai would require workers living in these areas to arrange long-distance daily commuting or seek alternative residence in Navi Mumbai while Terminal 1 undergoes renovation.

Despite the widespread circulation of the message among airport workers, MIAL has clarified that the notice was not issued by the airport operator.