Mumbai Airport Commences Demolition of Vacant Air India Colony Buildings as Part of Redevelopment Initiative

Mumbai International Airport has officially commenced the demolition of 20 vacant and dilapidated buildings located in the Air India colony as part of its extensive redevelopment strategy, the airport authorities announced on Wednesday.

These residential colonies are situated on airport land and were constructed on parcels licensed to Air India and Indian Airlines. In 2022, Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) issued a notice to Air India, requesting the evacuation of land not essential to its core operations. In response, employees took legal action against the eviction, and on Wednesday, attempts were made to impede the bulldozers carrying out the demolitions.

MIAL clarified that the demolition process strictly adheres to legal procedures and is being executed in line with the permissions and handover granted by AI Asset Holding Company. The current phase focuses on the 20 uninhabited buildings, with no demolition actions taken for the remaining 80+ structures within the colony that are still occupied. Legal procedures, including filing eviction applications under the Airport Authority of India Act, are being followed for the occupied buildings.

In a statement, MIAL emphasized its commitment to upholding the law and ensuring the smooth and efficient functioning of the airport. The redevelopment initiative is deemed crucial for Mumbai Airport, an aviation asset constrained by land, as it seeks to contribute to the expansion and enhancement of existing passenger facilities. The move is expected to play a pivotal role in fostering the growth and progress of Mumbai.

HBL