Finally take-off day arrives as Navi Mumbai Airport begins operations

The dazzling interiors of the soon-to-open Navi Mumbai International Airport. PICS/Adani Airport Holdings Ltd

A 28-year-long dream has finally been realised with the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) commencing operations today. Spanning 1160 hectares in Ulwe, the facility was developed by the City Industrial Development Corporation and Navi Mumbai International Airport Limited in a public-private partnership model.

The proposed facilities of NMIA - the largest greenfield airport in the country - present an opportunity that will be a game changer in India's civil aviation sector and provide a boost to regional economies, tourism, job creation, and infrastructure development. It isn't going to compete with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) but will act as a complementary airport, elevating the aviation sector in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region to new heights.

CAPACITY PLANNING OF THE NEW AIRPORT

>> Phase 1 (Beginning December 25)
>> Terminal 1 operational
>> Handles 20 million passengers per annum (MPPA)

CARGO-HANDLING CAPACITY

>> The airport is set to handle 0.8 million tonnes annually
>> Supports both domestic and international freight
>> Critical for e-commerce, pharma, perishables, and more

TWIN AIRPORT MODEL

>> CSMIA (Mumbai) + NMIA (Navi Mumbai)
>> Will operate in tandem as a twin-airport system
>> Combined passenger handling: 150-160 MPPA
>> This will reduce congestion at CSMIA and boost connectivity by offering different schedules and newer destinations

RUNWAY INFRASTRUCTURE

>> Two parallel runways built for high traffic
>> Both runways are capable of handling simultaneous and independent operations
>> Up to 45 air traffic movements (ATMs) per hour capacity
>> 30 ATMs expected in the initial months as the airport adapts to passengers

KEY FEATURES FOR PASSENGERS

>> Self-check-in kiosks with biometric validation
>> Automated baggage handling
>> Expansive lounge
>> Smart security screening lanes
>> Automatic boarding gates
>> Flexible gate allocation system
>> Entirely digital passenger processing

INDIA'S LARGEST GENERAL AVIATION TERMINAL

>> Dedicated GA terminal with premium amenities
>> 75 aircraft stands for private jets, charters
>> A heliport for various services

MULTI-MODAL TRANSPORT HUB

>> Partially underground Metro Line 8 between CSMIA and NMIA spanning approximately 33 km
>> Metro Lines 1 and 2 in Navi Mumbai will also be connected to the NMIA
>> Harbour line connectivity with Targhar railway station, being the nearest one to NMIA at a distance of 1.8 km from the facility
>> Mumbai Trans Harbour Link will boost road connectivity
>> Water transport via nearby coastal hubs will be integrated for last-mile connectivity to/from the airport

Future phases (Till 2032)

Terminal 2
30+ MPPA

Terminal 3
20+ MPPA

Terminal 4
20+ MPPA

Total capacity by 2032
90 MPPA