MIAL set to commission new terminal for private plane owners

Mumbai: Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL), operators of the Chhatrapati Shivaji International airport (CSIA), till recently at loggerheads with private aircraft owners for vacating space occupied by them at the airport is now all set to provide them facilities in keeping with their status as important State and business functionaries. MIAL will soon complete construction of a terminal that will cater exclusively to the needs of such a clientèle.

Currently, private aircraft operators do not have any terminal or waiting room, a gap in facilities that inconveniences them greatly. Mostly they dis-embark at Gate no 8 near Kalina Army camp and then enter the tarmac onboard another vehicle.

Though this may not be true about State-level functionaries, even they are compelled to make do with office space of on-site aircraft maintenance companies when faced with unintended delays.

MIAL officials have confirmed that they are constructing a waiting lounge, business centre, conference room and a cafetaria. They also said that the new terminal will have customs and immigration facilities as well, which will enable private aircraft owners to fly directly from the terminal.

They also said that the new terminal will be ready by October and become functional by end of November.