After decades of wait, Navi Mumbai International Airport is ready for operation from Thursday, December 25. This new greenfield airport will not only reduce the pressure on Mumbai Airport, but will also take the connectivity of the entire region to new heights. According to the airport operator, IndiGo, Air India Express, Akasa Air and Star Air will start their domestic services on the first day. On the first day, 15 flights will operate to 9 cities of India. In the initial phase the airport will be active from 8 am to 8 pm (12 hours). There is a plan to start 24-hour operations here from February 2026. In the initial phase, it will have the capacity to operate 24 flights daily to 13 destinations.
Key Features of the Project
The architecture of Navi Mumbai International Airport Terminal is inspired by the national flower of India ‘Lotus’, combining cultural identity with modern amenities. The first phase of the airport has been built at a cost of ₹19,650 crore. Spread over 1,160 hectares, this airport has a capacity of 2 crore (20 million) passengers per year in the first phase. After completion of all five phases, it will be able to serve 9 crore passengers annually.
1997 to 2025: a long way
Concept: It was first planned by CIDCO in the 1990s (1997).
Foundation stone laid: Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid its foundation stone in 2018.
Inauguration: It was formally inaugurated by PM Modi on October 8 this year.
Leadership: From 2021, Adani Airports Holdings Limited (AAHL) has taken over the responsibility of construction and operation of the project.
What is special for the passengers?
Digiyatra: Passengers will get the facility of contactless processing from day one.
Facilities: The airport has affordable retail outlets and food and beverage (F&B) catering to local tastes.
Connectivity: There are also plans for multimodal connectivity and a dedicated cargo terminal.
Ownership and Partnership
The project has been developed under a special purpose vehicle ‘Navi Mumbai International Airport Limited’ in which Adani Group holds 74% stake and CIDCO 26%. With the opening of this airport, Mumbai has now joined the category of major cities of the world with ‘Multi-Airport System’. This will not only make air travel easier but will also give impetus to economic development.
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