Low-Cost Carriers Shift to Adani's Navi Mumbai Airport in May

India's low-cost carriers are set to lead the transition to the new Navi Mumbai Airport, developed by Gautam Adani and targeting a May opening. Major airlines like IndiGo, Air India Express, SpiceJet, and Akasa are in talks to relocate operations to the $2.1 billion facility, which aims to alleviate congestion at the current Mumbai airport and establish an international transit hub. Although Air India Ltd. will maintain some operations at the existing airport for now, it plans to increase its domestic flights at the new site. The Adani Group's management of both airports strengthens its negotiating position with airlines regarding flight relocations. However, the absence of high-speed transportation links to the new airport presents a significant challenge for attracting passengers, with plans for a metro line still years away. Local authorities envision building an “aero city” around the airport to enhance revenue sources beyond aviation.