Smooth take-off for T2

On an average, Mumbai airport handles around 30,000 international passengers and about 190 international flight movements

Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) put up a good show on  the launch of its new terminal, T2, with on-time departure and arrival of the first flights on Wednesday afternoon.

The city’s main roads getting jammed due to the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena-sponsored rasta roko was a concern. One of the city’s biggest taxi unions had also threatened to stop its services at the terminal. Even so, MIAL managed a smooth transition.

“Everything has worked with clockwork precision. We are relieved,” said a senior executive. An Air India Airbus A330 aircraft, carrying 110 passengers from Singapore via Chennai, was the first arrival, at 1 pm; it was greeted with a water cannon salute. A Jet Airways Mumbai-London flight was the first departure. On an average, the airport here handles a little over 30,000 international passengers and 190 international flight movements in a day. Passenger movement is the lowest on Wednesdays and, hence, the day was chosen for the transition.

“There might have been minor glitches but there was nothing of concern,” said GVK Vice-Chairman Sanjay Reddy. The GVK group developed the new terminal at a cost of Rs 5,500 crore.

The passengers seem to have enjoyed the experience. “There was applause in the plane when we landed. Everyone clapped. I’m so thrilled to be a part of the city’s history,” said Uma Lal, who flew in on the AI plane from Chennai. “The check-in was quick. The terminal looks fantastic,” said Pinky Lilani, who flew to London.

However, some areas in the terminal are still being readied.