Mumbai airport shares first artist's impressions of redeveloped Terminal 1

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) has shared artist's impressions of the proposed redevelopment of its Terminal 1 (T1). The airport said the images reflect the idea of a modern, passenger-centric terminal that also reflects Mumbai's cultural identity.

The images were shown at a meeting of the Airport Airline Operators Committee (AOC). The airport clarified that they show the architectural thinking behind the proposed terminal and are not a firm indication of the final design.

The present T1 began operations in 1964 and is to be replaced amid concerns over its age and structural safety. According to the airport's redevelopment brief, Structwel carried out an independent audit in 2017 and IIT Bombay in 2024. Both audits found serious safety and structural weaknesses.

The proposed design aims to turn the ageing terminal into a modern gateway, with an emphasis on passenger convenience, operational efficiency and Mumbai's cultural heritage.

The artist's impressions show a large, open entrance at the departure curbside. The check-in hall is spacious and lit by natural light, with murals of local art on the walls. The departure waiting area has indoor greenery, premium lounges and large glass facades opening towards the runway.

The arrival curbside is envisaged as an open, artistic space featuring a large flamingo sculpture, which would represent Mumbai's natural biodiversity.

The redevelopment plan also proposes a major increase in passenger-handling capacity and airport infrastructure. Annual capacity is proposed to be raised by 33 per cent, from 15 million passengers per annum (mppa) to 20 mppa. Check-in counters are to go up from 74 to 109. The plan is to build 15 passenger lanes and five transfer lanes for security screening.

Contact stands, where passengers board aircraft directly from the terminal, are proposed to increase from seven to 25. The plan also includes 12 e-gates, and baggage reclaim belts are to go up from five to 11.

The work will be carried out in phases to cause minimum disruption to airport operations and domestic passenger movement. The G+3 North-West Pier extension at Terminal 2 (T2) is to be operational by March 2029 to handle domestic passenger load in the interim. The new T1 is targeted for completion by December 2030.

Once the redevelopment and related expansion plans are complete, Mumbai airport's total passenger capacity is expected to reach 65 million passengers a year.

The airport said the images show its vision of a safer and more welcoming terminal, with modern facilities, passenger experience and Mumbai's cultural identity at the centre of the proposed redevelopment.