The airport, set to play a pivotal role in addressing the growing demand for air travel in the Mumbai metropolitan region, aims to commence operations by May 15, 2025, with hopes of securing the necessary license before that date.
“DGCA has received the application from Navi Mumbai International Airport
for an aerodrome license. The airport is looking to start operations by May 15, and they should be getting the license before that,” a top official told CNBC-TV18.
Navi Mumbai International Airport Limited is a 74:26 joint venture between Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL) and the City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra (CIDCO).
Ministry officials, including those from DGCA and the Airports Authority of India (AAI), who recently visited the site, have reported progress in key areas of the airport’s infrastructure development, including the Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower, baggage screening systems, passenger screening facilities, and other critical elements. The site visit confirmed that the airport is adhering to its schedule, with construction work advancing in several crucial areas.
While significant work has been done, the official said there is a need to expedite certain aspects of the project, particularly accessibility to the terminal building. The physical infrastructure ensuring smooth access to the terminal for passengers is crucial for the airport’s certification and functionality, according to the official.
Once operational, Navi Mumbai International Airport will serve as a much-needed addition to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region’s transport infrastructure. With a planned annual capacity of up to 12 million passengers, the airport is expected to alleviate the pressure on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, which currently handles a significant portion of air traffic in the region.
The facility, with two runways and four terminals, will have the capacity to cater to 90 million passengers per annum once all five phases of the project are completed. The first and second phases will have one runway and one terminal building.
The opening of Phase 1 is expected to provide significant support for air traffic in the region, especially as Mumbai International Airport’s Terminal 1 is scheduled to shut down at the end of October 2025 for redevelopment purposes. Airlines will have the responsibility of deciding which of their flights will transfer to the Navi Mumbai facility in coordination with airport authorities.
(Edited by : Anand Singha)
