Emirates has questioned Navi Mumbai airport’s readiness for international flights, citing catering and cargo concerns. Airport representatives dispute the assessment, while proposed flight transfers from Mumbai have been postponed.
MUMBAI: Emirates has raised concerns about Navi Mumbai airport’s readiness to handle international flight operations, highlighting the importance of catering, cargo warehousing and supporting infrastructure. However, representatives of the newly developed airport have challenged the assessment, saying essential facilities are already available.
The disagreement follows a proposal to move some international flights from Mumbai’s existing airport to the newer facility as part of planned terminal redevelopment.
Why is Emirates concerned about the new airport?
Essa Sulaiman Ahmad, Emirates’ senior vice-president for commercial operations in West Asia and the Indian Ocean, raised the concerns while speaking to reporters in New Delhi on October 14.
He said airlines require a complete network of supporting facilities before transferring international operations.
His concerns focused particularly on flight catering and cargo warehousing, which are important for handling passengers, aircraft services and freight.
Emirates has indicated that it is reluctant to move existing services until the operational arrangements meet its requirements.
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What has the airport operator said?
Representatives of Navi Mumbai airport have disputed the assessment.
According to reports published on October 16, sources associated with the airport pointed to existing cargo-handling capabilities and an inflight catering facility.
Airport operator Adani Airport Holdings had separately announced on October 6 that the airport’s TajSATS flight kitchen was already serving more than 40 daily flights.
The company said the facility could prepare 7,500 meals daily, with capacity to expand to 15,000.
These statements indicate that catering facilities exist, although Emirates has questioned whether the broader operational environment meets international airline requirements.
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Why were international flight transfers proposed?
Mumbai International Airport Limited proposed shifting 265 of approximately 770 weekly international departures to Navi Mumbai.
The proposal was connected to redevelopment plans for Terminal 1 at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.
Several airlines opposed the proposed transfer, raising concerns about operational planning, passenger convenience and infrastructure readiness.
Following discussions with airlines and aviation authorities, the proposed October 25 transfer was postponed.
Reports indicate international flight movements will remain at the existing airport until at least the end of March 2027.
Will Emirates launch flights from the new airport?
Emirates has not ruled out future operations at the newer facility.
However, Ahmad said expansion would also depend on additional flying rights under the bilateral aviation agreement between India and the UAE.
The airline currently operates within its existing seat entitlements, limiting its ability to introduce additional services without regulatory approval.
Impact to expect
The disagreement could influence future flight planning between Mumbai and Dubai. For passengers, the postponement provides greater certainty over existing airport arrangements, while airlines and airport authorities continue discussions on infrastructure, capacity and future international services.
