The Adani Group faces pushback over its Navi Mumbai airport moves—here’s why it’s a test of the conglomerate’s dominance

Most of India’s busiest airports are privately run. They recoup their capital by charging airlines for landing and parking. They also keep a share of the rent paid by restaurants, shops and carparks, plus a user development fee levied on travellers. At Navi Mumbai, built from scratch, the international departure fee is ₹1,225 rupees—double what the older airport, privatized in 2006 and acquired by the Adani Group in 2021, can charge.