Mumbai, Apr 18 (IANS): The new domestic terminal 1C at the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport was inaugurated by Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel and Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan Saturday.

The terminal will increase passenger handling capacity and enhance the overall passenger comfort and convenience, Mumbai International Airport Pvt Ltd (MIAL) chairman G.V. Krishna Reddy said.

"Our focus has been on enhancing passenger experience and the opening of 1C is yet another testament to our endeavour to consistently provide passengers with a world class travel experience," he said.

Spread over around 300,000 sq feett across three levels, the terminal has six new passenger boarding bridges with connectivity between terminals 1A and 1B.

The second level has a security hold area for passengers post checking-in and can seat around 900 passengers.

More than 9,000 sq ft of retail space promises prominent outlets like Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf and Ultra Bar. Space for a range of premium stores like Ethos, William Penn, Parcos, Swarovski, Croma, Media Mart, Bombay Store, Lilliput and Hidesign has also been earmarked here.

A state of the art Mantra Spa will be available soon for passengers who wish to indulge in a relaxing massage prior to their flight.

The mezzanine level has a food court overlooking the runaway.

The terminal also provides facilities like Wi-Fi connectivity, ATMs, foreign exchange counters, an Internet kiosk, telephone booths, an infant care room, laptop charging stations and two smoking rooms.