Air India Group has warned that higher charges, weak surface connectivity, and split-airport inefficiencies could limit interest among airlines in scaling up at Mumbai D. B. Patil (Navi Mumbai), the broadcaster CNBC-TV18 reported citing a submission to the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA).

The airline challenged AERA's assumption that carriers would be keen to move operations to the new airport. It said that operating from both Mumbai International and Navi Mumbai would raise costs and reduce economies of scale, while the phased closure of Terminal 1 at the existing Mumbai airport means there is no immediate need to shift traffic.

Air India said landing charges at Navi Mumbai could be 84% higher for domestic flights and 113% higher for international flights than for the existing airport. Passenger costs would also be almost double, while proposed cargo handling charges of INR8,000 rupees (USD84) per tonne exceed a benchmark range of INR4,500-5,500 (USD47-58).

The group said passenger preference would likely remain with the existing Mumbai airport until access to Navi Mumbai improves, citing the lack of direct metro connectivity and limited surface transport infrastructure. It supported Navi Mumbai's traffic incentive plan but sought stronger terms, including a three-year duration, domestic route coverage, and frequency-based incentives.

As ch-aviation previously reported, Navi Mumbai opened to scheduled traffic in December 2025. Only three carriers currently serve the airport, Air India Express, Akasa Air, and IndiGo Airlines, all on domestic routes, while mainline Air India does not yet have scheduled flights there.