Bid Farewell to Mumbai's T1 as You Know it Today

Alright, Mumbaikars and frequent flyers, big changes are coming to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA). Terminal 1 (T1) is set to be demolished in November 2025, making way for a brand-new, next-gen terminal. The whole revamp will be done by 2028-29, but don’t worry, the transition will happen in phases so flights don’t go haywire overnight.

So, what’s happening, where will the flights go, and what’s this fancy new terminal going to look like? Let’s break it down.

T1 will be demolished in phases

To minimise disruptions, the redevelopment of T1 will happen in stages, starting with demolition in November 2025. Once the old structure is cleared, rebuilding will kick off immediately, shaping a next-gen terminal designed for seamless, high-tech air travel. 

Where will T1 flights be diverted?

With T1 shutting down, flight schedules will be redistributed between CSMIA’s T2 and the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport, which is set to open later this year. Expect some flight rescheduling and rerouting as airlines adjust to this shift.

To handle the extra load, Mumbai Airport will introduce

• DigiYatra for smooth, paperless entry

• Self-baggage drop counters to speed up check-ins

• E-gates to streamline passenger movement

• Additional service staff to keep operations running smoothly

So, while T1 is under construction, expect a bit of adjustment. But also, a more tech-driven and efficient experience at T2.

The New T1: What’s the Hype About?

By 2028-29, T1 is coming back bigger, greener, and smarter. Here’s what’s in store:

• 42% More Capacity: T1 will start handling 20 million passengers annually leading to fewer bottlenecks.

• More Nature, Less Chaos: Expect big open spaces, loads of natural light, and indoor greenery.

• Wave-Inspired Design: T1 design will pay tribute to Mumbai’s coastal vibes (let’s hope it’s not just a fancy way of saying wavy ceilings :p).

• Efficient Baggage Handling: Luggage drama? Not here. Bags will be processed faster and smarter.

• Sustainable AF: T1 will have new cooling systems, better energy efficiency, and eco-friendly features.

• Multi-Modal Transit Hub (MMTH): This means seamless connections to trains, metros, buses, and taxis, making it easier to get in and out of T1.

What This Means for You

For now, expect some flight diversions and a little extra travel planning as Mumbai figures out how to function without T1 for a while. But once this new terminal is done, flying in and out of Mumbai will be smoother, fancier, and far less stressful.

So yeah, while we might have to deal with a few growing pains, the new T1 is going to be worth the wait. 2028 might feel far away, but before you know it, you’ll be sipping overpriced airport coffee in a next-level terminal.

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