ITDC-Aldeasa out, DFS Group in at Mumbai

Tina Milton

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DFS has confirmed it has been awarded the duty-free contract at Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji International airport as the second highest bidder for the contract

Mumbai International Airport (MIAL) has awarded the duty-free contract at Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji International airport (CSIA) to DFS Group after cancelling its contract with ITDC-Aldeasa last week. DFS confirmed the win is in accordance with the terms of the international bidding process as it emerged as the second highest bidder for the operation. The travel retailer did not however reveal the length of the contract agreement.

DFS will be responsible for designing and building the stores, sourcing a wide range of international luxury brands and developing a strong promotional strategy for duty-free shops at CSIA. DFS will begin operations at the airport in January.

The news comes after local reports suggested that Aldeasa-ITDC was attempting to renegotiate the concession terms. The joint venture was awarded the three-year contract in February—although RavenFox.com understands that DFS Group was originally offered the contract but turned it down as it was deemed to be too expensive.

The partnership was due to open its first shops at Mumbai—a 1,355sq m (14,580sq ft) departures store and a 700sq m (7,530sq ft) arrivals store—on June 1.

MIAL comprises a consortium led by Indian construction company GVK, which holds a 74% share in the airport, and Airports Authority of India, which holds the remainder.