Mumbai's T1 to be razed over safety concerns

The demolition of Terminal 1 at Mumbai International Airport is "necessary" to ensure public safety, the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (AERA) has stated, following a site visit and an IIT Bombay audit that found corrosion, seepage and cracks in the terminal.

- DEEPAK PATEL

Two months ago, Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) revealed that it had halted plans to construct a new Terminal 4 and would instead fast-track the refurbishment of the existing Terminal 2. This decision followed audits by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and IIT Madras, which flagged issues with the apron and boarding bridges.

AERA's statement and these audit findings come in the wake of the collapse of Delhi Airport's Terminal 1 canopy on June 28 last year, which killed a cab driver and injured eight people. A DGCA-appointed expert panel later found that flawed design, poor workmanship, and inadequate maintenance were likely causes of the collapse.

On March 10, AERA issued a consultation paper as part of its process to determine aeronautical tariffs that Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) can collect from airlines and passengers over the next five years. Adani Group-led MIAL, which operates Mumbai Airport, did not respond to Business Standard's queries on the matter.