Prime Minister Narendra Modi Inaugurated Phase One Of Navi Mumbai International Airport
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), marking a defining moment for India’s aviation sector. The new airport, Mumbai’s second international hub, will significantly expand the city’s capacity and transform it into a global multi-airport destination.
Operations to Begin in December 2025: The first phase of NMIA, featuring a single runway and one terminal is scheduled to begin operations by December 2025. The airport will handle both domestic and international flights from day one with IndiGo and Akasa Air among the first airlines to operate from the facility.
At full initial capacity, NMIA can accommodate 20 million passengers annually with 20–22 flight operations per hour. Within 12–15 months of inauguration, Terminal 1 is expected to reach its full capacity setting the stage for expansion in subsequent phases.
Architectural Wonder Inspired by the Lotus: The architecture of Navi Mumbai International Airport is a visual masterpiece, inspired by India’s national flower — the Lotus. The terminal features 12 sculptural columns symbolizing unfurling petals and 17 mega support columns forming the lotus-shaped roof. This fusion of tradition and modern engineering captures the spirit of India’s evolving infrastructure.
Passenger-Friendly Design and World-Class Connectivity: The airport’s design integrates cutting-edge passenger facilities and connects seamlessly to existing and upcoming metro lines, highways and public transport systems. This ensures quick and efficient access across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
Terminal 1 will house:
- 66 check-in counters
- 29 aerobridges
- 22 self-baggage drop counters
- 10 bus boarding gates
The focus is on delivering fast, comfortable and technology-driven travel experiences for all passengers.
India’s Largest MRO and Cargo Hub: The Navi Mumbai International Airport is set to become India’s largest aviation maintenance and cargo facility. Its Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) centre will cater to global standards, while the fully automated cargo terminal will feature:
- Digital tracking systems
- Paperless and cashless operations
- Temperature-controlled zones for pharmaceuticals and perishable goods
Initially, the cargo terminal will manage 0.5 million metric tonnes annually, with capacity scaling up to 3.2 million metric tonnes, placing NMIA among Asia’s leading cargo airports.
Strategic Location for India’s Economic Growth: Located in Ulwe, Navi Mumbai, around 37 km from South Mumbai, NMIA will dramatically improve connectivity for businesses and travellers alike. With its launch, Mumbai becomes India’s first city to operate dual commercial airports — the existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) and NMIA — effectively reducing congestion and boosting air traffic efficiency.
Mega Project by Adani Group Under PPP Model: Developed by the Adani Group under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, the ₹19,650 crore project is India’s largest greenfield airport. Spanning 1,160 hectares, the airport is designed to eventually handle 90 million passengers annually and 3.25 million metric tonnes of cargo — ranking it among the world’s top airports once fully operational.
Automated People Mover to Connect Terminals:In future phases, the airport will introduce an Automated People Mover (APM) connecting all four passenger terminals. A separate landside APM will link the airport to the city’s infrastructure, ensuring efficient connectivity within and beyond the airport premises.
A New Chapter for India’s Aviation Future:The Navi Mumbai International Airport is more than just a transportation hub — it’s a symbol of India’s progress, innovation and global ambition. Once operational, NMIA will not only decongest Mumbai’s existing airport but also elevate India’s position as one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets.
With world-class infrastructure, sustainability at its core and seamless connectivity, PM Modi’s inauguration of NMIA marks the beginning of a new era in Indian aviation — one that promises to reshape air travel for the next generation.
The Navi Mumbai International Airport stands as a monumental achievement — merging engineering excellence, cultural inspiration, and global vision. It embodies India’s rise as a leader in modern infrastructure, innovation and economic growth.
According to the AI sources.
