Mumbai Airport’s Old Terminal 1A to Be Demolished for Expansion

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has approved the demolition of Terminal 1A at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA). The terminal, which has been closed since 2016, will be dismantled along with a temporary building, an elevated road, and a disused chiller plant. 

As per reports, the cleared area will be used for airport-related expansion projects. The no-objection certificate (NOC) for the demolition was issued by MMRDA on September 24, 2025. A notice about the approval was also circulated on social media. The Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) stated that the demolition will begin after all safety clearances and procedures are completed.

Terminal 1A was part of the old domestic airport complex, which earlier consisted of three sections: T1A, T1B, and T1C. Until 2005, Indian Airlines, later merged with Air India, was the only carrier operating from T1A. Kingfisher Airlines later began operations from the same terminal, and after Kingfisher’s shutdown, GoAir took over the space. 

The terminal was closed when Air India and GoAir shifted operations to Terminal 2 and Terminal 1B. In 2017, MIAL renamed Terminal 1B simply as Terminal 1 to avoid confusion.

The terminal, inaugurated in 1992, was India’s first to have air bridges. It was once considered modern and was often used by VVIPs. It hosted several important political events, including visits by former prime minister Manmohan Singh, former UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, and prime minister Narendra Modi. 

After the 2006 train bombings and the 26/11 terror attack, emergency response plans for similar incidents were discussed in the terminal’s meeting rooms. The structure also included special lounges for VVIP guests.

As per reports, the old terminal and nearby temporary structures will be removed as part of the redevelopment plan. CSMIA has also sought expressions of interest for the renovation of the existing Terminal 1. 

However, the redevelopment of the area will not take place until the next phase of the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is completed, expected between 2029 and 2030. Officials said Terminal 1 will also be replaced later with a larger, modern structure as part of the airport’s long-term expansion.