Sun Apr 13 01:43:58 UTC 2025: ## Mumbai’s Corporate Jet Set Revolts Against Adani Airport’s Eviction Order
**Mumbai, April 13, 2025** – Major corporate houses in Mumbai are embroiled in a dispute with Adani-owned Chhatrapati Shivaji Mumbai International Airport (CSMIA) over an eviction order targeting their business jets. Essar Group, Aditya Birla Group, JSW Steel, and the Taj Group are among those facing eviction by July 31st to make way for airport development, including a new taxiway.
The move is widely seen as a tactic to force relocation to the newly constructed Navi Mumbai airport, also under Adani’s control. However, Navi Mumbai airport’s steep parking fees—a reported ₹20 crore for a parking stand plus annual charges—have sparked outrage. Industry insiders claim this fee is “illegal” as only the tariff regulator, Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA), has the authority to set such rates.
The Business Aircraft Operators’ Association (BAOA) has challenged the eviction, arguing that operators are not squatters but paying tenants. They’ve written to AERA demanding CSMIA increase its parking capacity and that relocation costs not be borne by business jet operators. Further fueling the controversy, Navi Mumbai airport’s hangar fees are reportedly ₹200 crore for a 10-year lease, with a ₹100 crore security deposit, discouraging relocation.
Charter service providers also express concern, citing increased fuel costs (estimated at a 30% rise) due to the necessity of dropping off clients at CSMIA and then flying to Navi Mumbai for parking. This adds an estimated ₹1.5 lakh to the cost of a typical charter flight.
The dispute extends beyond business jets. Commercial airlines, including international carriers, are also unhappy about pressure to shift operations, partially or entirely, to Navi Mumbai. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has voiced concerns about this alleged strong-arm tactic.
An Adani Airport Holding Limited (AAHL) spokesperson stated that the relocation is necessary for development and capacity improvements at CSMIA and that Navi Mumbai parking fees will be determined through an open bidding process. However, BAOA maintains that all development must adhere to the legal and regulatory framework governing Indian airports. The Navi Mumbai airport is scheduled to open in June, with an initial capacity of 20 million passengers annually. The ongoing renovation of CSMIA’s Terminal 1 will further exacerbate the situation by necessitating flight transfers. The AERA is yet to comment on the matter.
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