Navi Mumbai's New Airport Cleared for Takeoff

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is expected to issue an aerodrome licence for the Adani Group’s Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) by the end of August, paving the way for full-scale commercial operations by mid-November, according to Adani Airports Holdings Ltd (AAHL).

A final inspection is scheduled in the coming weeks. AAHL CEO Arun Bansal confirmed that operations will begin 45 days after inauguration, with both domestic and international flights commencing simultaneously. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) will assume charge of airport security prior to launch.

NMIA anticipates reaching its full Phase 1 capacity of 20 million passengers annually within six months of opening. In response to rising demand, AAHL has increased the planned Phase 2 capacity from 30 million to 40 million, bringing total capacity to 60 million passengers per year—expandable to 65 million. Phase 2 development, starting 3–6 months after initial operations, will include a second runway, terminal, metro link, and automated people mover, with completion targeted by 2029.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.