Navi Mumbai Airport Should Be 'Plus One', Not Replacement for Mumbai Airport: Thackeray

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray has alleged that the BJP-led government is trying to “finish off” Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, claiming that any move to reduce its international operations could affect the city’s global connectivity.

Thackeray’s remarks came in response to reports that airlines have opposed Mumbai International Airport Ltd’s (MIAL) proposal to cut international departure slots at Terminal 2 by 33 per cent.

According to the reports, airlines have raised concerns over their existing winter schedule commitments and alleged that there had been no meaningful consultation before the proposed reduction.

In a post on X, Thackeray alleged that the BJP-led government had overseen the departure of several companies, manufacturers and even the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) from Mumbai.

He claimed that such developments had adversely affected the wider Indian economy and alleged that the proposed changes at the airport were another attempt to weaken Mumbai’s position as an international business and aviation hub.

“Now by finishing off our airport, the BJP intends to finish Mumbai’s ability to connect with the world, intentionally,” Thackeray said.

He also referred to the Navi Mumbai International Airport, which is expected to supplement the existing Mumbai airport, and argued that it should function as a “+1 airport” rather than being used to shift passengers away from the city’s main airport.

“The DB Patil International Airport in Navi Mumbai is supposed to be a +1 airport, not a way to simply push passengers to discomfort and fleece them-kind of an airport,” Thackeray said. He further questioned who was benefiting from what he described as the alleged exploitation of passengers.

Thackeray’s comments come amid discussions over the allocation of international slots at Mumbai airport ahead of the winter schedule. The allegations are political claims, and the report did not establish any government decision to reduce Mumbai airport’s international connectivity.