Mumbai Airport vs IATA: Slot Wars and Cargo Clashes Take Off

Image Source: The Economic Times

Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) has firmly rejected allegations from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) that recent decisions to halt cargo flights and cut historic passenger slots are intended to push airlines toward the soon-to-open Navi Mumbai International Airport. The airport operator, Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL), insists the changes are part of a regulator-driven infrastructure upgrade and were made through a transparent, consultative process.

Background of the Conflict

IATA charged that MIAL had canceled cargo flight slots and cut passenger slots in a way that would harm the airport's image and potentially compel airlines to relocate operations to the new Navi Mumbai International Airport, also owned by the Adani Group.
IATA's Worldwide Airport Slots Head, John Middleton, demanded the immediate rollback of the reductions and asked questions on the motivations behind the operational shifts.

MIAL's Response

MIAL categorically denied IATA's allegations that the recent changes to cargo operations and slot allocations were done in a non-transparent, non-consultative, and regulator-driven manner.
The operational changes are part of a larger infrastructure upgrade program overseen by the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (AERA), namely under the Fourth Control Period review.
MIAL stressed that no effort, direct or indirect, has been made to divert traffic from CSMIA to the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), and airlines have complete control over their network design.

Consultation and Stakeholder Involvement

MIAL stressed widespread interaction with stakeholders such as airlines, cargo carriers, industry bodies, and IATA itself, at all levels of the process.
A vital Airport User Consultative Committee (AUCC) meeting was conducted on March 13, 2024, that presented a five-year development plan as well as recommended airside developments.
AERA held a public hearing on March 25, 2025, of all major stakeholders and released a consultation paper on March 10, with comments and counter-comments being accepted up to April 26.

IATA's Concerns

IATA was "deeply disappointed" with the "apparent permanent withdrawal of historic slots," threatening long-term reputational harm for MIAL.
The association charged that MIAL failed to follow international guidelines on handling temporary capacity reductions and asserted its advice was disregarded.
IATA challenged whether the reduction of slots and suspension of cargo flights were an exercise in "capacity gaming" to serve NMIA, which is set to open sometime in August 15.

MIAL’s Justification

MIAL described the changes as “operational rebalancing” aimed at the long-term growth of Mumbai’s aviation infrastructure.

The airport operator reiterated its compliance with national regulatory frameworks and denied any unilateral action, emphasizing fair coordination and regulatory oversight.

Relevant Sources: Times of India, Hindustan Times, Economic Times