AOC has written to MoCA Secretary, demanding that MIAL reverse its decision to trim Mumbai’s terminal‑2 capacity by 5 MPPA for the 2027 summer period, a move that would strip Gulf airlines of their long‑held slots.
MIAL explained in a letter to the carriers that the cut is a temporary measure tied to the redevelopment of Terminal 1, and that affected flights would be relocated off Terminal 2 until the expansion is complete and additional capacity is available.
The AOC, while backing the airport’s infrastructure upgrade, warned that any alteration of historical slots must comply with MoCA slot guidelines and the IATA Worldwide Airport Slot Guidelines (WASG), and that unilateral withdrawal without consultation is unacceptable.
MoCA spokesperson said the ministry will convene a panel to assess the letter and provide guidance to MIAL before the upcoming slot allocation meeting on 15 June 2026.
An Etihad Airways pilot from Mumbai noted the decision could mean losing 120 scheduled flights that serve key business corridors, a concern that echoed across the Gulf carrier community.