MIAL plans to use the vacated space to construct a taxiway and will stop parking facilities for business jets at Mumbai to increase efficiency and reduce congestion.
| Photo Credit:
Annice Lyn
Aircraft maintenance repair and overhaul (MRO) firm, Indamer plans to shift its business to Nagpur and business jet owners are scouting alternate locations to park their planes following an eviction notice from Mumbai airport.
While, soon to open, Navi Mumbai airport is the closest and most desirable option, steep charges and deposits proposed by the airport are leading operators to look for alternate options.
In March, Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL) issued a notice to corporate houses, charters and MROs like Indamer to vacate the aircraft parking bays by July end.
MIAL plans to use the vacated space to construct a taxiway and will stop parking facilities for business jets at Mumbai to increase efficiency and reduce congestion.
But the move is being resisted by jet owners who are also miffed at the proposed charges at Navi Mumbai airport.
Jet owners and operators have been reportedly asked to pay a ₹20 crore fee for “home base” parking at Navi Mumbai. Those desirous of setting up aircraft hangars at Navi Mumbai are also being asked ₹100 crore upwards in deposits.
“We will not be able to afford the deposit and rent sought at Navi Mumbai airport. We plan to move our maintenance facilities to Nagpur where we already run a MRO, “ said Rajeev Gupta, Chief Executive Officer of Indamer Group.
Some jet operators have begun looking at airports like Aurangabad, Nashik and Shirdi airports to park their planes.
“Any temporary or permanent relocation of business aviation operators must be accompanied by viable operationally efficient alternative at no additional cost to the operators,” said R K Bali, Managing Director, Business Aircraft Operators Association . Bali also called for an collaborative approach to address the issue and questioned airport’s authority to propose parking fee for home base aircraft. “Any such fee should be approved by airport sector regulator,” he said.
MIAL did not respond to an email on the topic.
Essar, Reliance and Tata group have hangars at Mumbai in addition to those of Indamer and Air Works MROs. In addition to hangars there are 20-25 parking bays for business jets in Mumbai.
On Monday, executives of MIAL met business jet operators to brief them about the development. The airport executives briefed them about the necessity to construct taxiway for safety and efficiency reasons. On their part, operators complained about the July deadline for vacating . “All our business in Mumbai. At this point Navi Mumbai airport is not ready. There is no general aviation terminal for business jets and clarity regarding maintenance services,” an executive pointed out
A suggestion has been made that business jet owners and charters pick up and drop guests at Mumbai and park their planes at Navi Mumbai or any other alternative airport. Operators however point out that is not a viable solution as it will add to fuel and maintenance expenses.
Published on April 15, 2025