The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (AERA) has raised safety concerns regarding air traffic operations at Mumbai Airport’s Terminal 1, following an audit by IIT Bombay. The audit report highlighted issues such as corrosion, seepage, and cracks in the terminal building. In response, AERA has ordered the demolition of Terminal 1 to ensure public safety and the smooth operation of airline services.
Earlier, the operator of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), Adani Group, had announced a partial shutdown of Terminal 1 for redevelopment. The plan aims to increase the terminal’s capacity by 33%, enabling it to handle up to 20 million passengers annually. The redevelopment will involve demolishing the existing structure and replacing it with a modern, upgraded facility.
In a related development, a safety audit of all three terminals at Delhi International Airport (DIAL) revealed similar concerns. While plans for a new Terminal 4 were put on hold, a decision was made to fast-track the refurbishment of Terminal 2 instead. The move followed audits by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and IIT Madras, which flagged issues with the apron and boarding bridges.
An expert panel appointed by the DGCA found that poor design, subpar workmanship, and inadequate maintenance contributed to the collapse of some terminal structures. Consequently, extensive audits of other airport terminals were conducted. In Mumbai, the DGCA has recommended that the terminal’s old structure be revamped, urging enhancements to the safety standards of Terminal 1, as well as improvements to the apron and airside operations.
