Air France-KLM rejects splitting Mumbai flights, cites efficiency concerns

Air France-KLM announced it has no intention to divide its Mumbai-area passenger operations between the city’s main airport and the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport, arguing that such a split would reduce operational efficiency and strain ground-handling resources. Stefan Gumuseli, the airline’s general manager for India and the Middle East, said the two airports share the same passenger catchment area, so separating flights offers no benefit.

He added that moving would require new staff, additional training and new handling contracts, which are unsuitable for the airline’s long-haul services. The carrier will shift its Air France cargo aircraft to the new airport, but will keep all passenger frequencies at Mumbai for the winter schedule, with up to 20 weekly flights. A full relocation could be considered only if Mumbai airport’s capacity falls below a workable level during its terminal redevelopment.