NAVI MUMBAI- Mumbai’s aviation sector is on the verge of a major transformation as the much-anticipated Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is set to be inaugurated in April 2025. The airport will likely be inaugurated on 17th April 2025.
The Navi Mumbai International airport is being developed as a joint venture between Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL) and CIDCO. The airport aims to alleviate congestion at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA). NMIA will help establish Mumbai as a premier global aviation hub.
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Navi Mumbai Airport Inauguration
On February 25, 2025, a DGCA-led inspection took place. Following this inspection, officials confirmed that NMIA would apply for the necessary permits by March 5, 2025. It is important to ensure the airport meets all safety and operational requirements before its grand opening. The DGCA said it will process these permits swiftly after the airport applies for it.
A DGCA official told The Hindustan Times:
“We reviewed the preparedness of NMIA. The authorities have informed us that they will apply for all necessary permits by March 5, and we will process them accordingly.”
During the inspection, DGCA noted a few operational gaps that needed to be addressed. However, authorities assured that all necessary permits and licenses would be applied for by March 5, 2025. The decision is taken keeping in mind the enough time required to process them before the grand opening.
On December 29, 2024, an IndiGo A320 aircraft successfully landed at NMIA during a test flight. This marked a crucial milestone in the airport’s readiness process.
Mumbai’s CSMIA currently operates with a single runway and handles over 52.8 million passengers annually. NMIA will serve as a great relief to Mumbai by redistributing flights. NMIA will reduce delays and improve overall air travel efficiency as passenger traffic increases.
Project specifications
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The NMIA project is being carried out with an estimated ₹16,700 crore investment. The airport has been designed to cater to 90 million passengers annually once fully operational. The airport will begin with domestic operations in May 2025, followed by international flights in July 2025.
NMIA will feature a world-class terminal capable of handling 20 million passengers annually in its first phase. The runway is designed to accommodate large aircraft, such as Airbus A380-800.
In addition to state-of-the-art baggage handling systems, NMIA will be equipped with advanced security measures and sustainable energy solutions, aligning with global environmental standards.
Navi Mumbai International Airport will be developed over 1,160 hectares in Panvel. Designed to complement Mumbai’s existing airport, NMIA is expected to handle:
- 20 million passengers annually in its first phase (2025).
- Up to 90 million passengers per year after full expansion.
- 1.5 million tonnes of cargo annually in the future.
The airport’s development is divided into multiple phases:
- Phase 1 & 2: Single runway and one terminal.
- Phase 3 to 5: Addition of a second runway and more terminals to accommodate increasing traffic.
Once completed, NMIA will have four passenger terminals, two runways, and state-of-the-art facilities to handle both domestic and international travel.
A Major Boost for Mumbai
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In February 2024, CSMIA Airport was directed by AAI to reduce the number of flights, hindering the airport’s growth. Most of the flights faced delays as CSMIA is a single-runway airport, handling both landings and takeoffs with the same runway. This in turn increased the travelers inconvenience. NMIA will enhance Mumbai’s connectivity as this restriction lifts. CSMIA will also shut down its Terminal-1 after NMIA opens.
The Navi Mumbai International Airport will redefine Mumbai’s air travel landscape. With world-class infrastructure, improved connectivity, and increased passenger capacity. Major carriers such as IndiGo, Air India, and Akasa Air are likely to expand their networks from Mumbai’s new airport.
The airlines might initially offer increased connectivity from NMIA to key metro and regional destinations.
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PHOTOS: IndiGo Airlines First Flight Lands at Navi Mumbai Int’l Airport | Exclusive
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