Navi Mumbai Airport Set for First Landing on Dec 29
In a major leap towards full-scale operations, the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is set to welcome its first commercial aircraft landing on Sunday, December 29, 2024. This momentous event will see an Indigo A320 aircraft touch down on the southern runway, marking a crucial milestone in the airport’s journey towards operational readiness.
This significant development comes on the heels of a critical achievement earlier in December, when the Airports Authority of India (AAI) successfully conducted the validation of the Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) system at NMIA. The PAPI system is an essential tool for guiding aircraft safely during the landing phase, ensuring that pilots maintain the correct approach and glide path. The system, which uses a series of lights emitting red and white signals, was tested under both day and night conditions to verify its functionality, reinforcing NMIA’s commitment to aviation safety and operational efficiency.
This commercial landing test is designed not only to assess the infrastructure but also to prepare the airport for its official operationalisation by March 31, 2025. With the date set for the airport’s inauguration fast approaching, airport officials are keen to confirm that both the runway and its operational systems are fully ready to handle commercial aircraft. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has reportedly been invited to attend this historic landing, though his presence is yet to be confirmed.
NMIA’s development is poised to be a game-changer for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). As one of the largest greenfield international airport projects in India, it is expected to handle up to 90 million passengers and 2.5 million tonnes of cargo annually once fully operational. The airport is being built to alleviate the growing congestion at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) and provide much-needed capacity to accommodate the increasing air traffic in the region. With the completion of NMIA, Navi Mumbai is set to benefit from enhanced connectivity, improved regional infrastructure, and significant economic opportunities, including job creation and increased business potential.
As a dual-airport system alongside CSMIA, NMIA will play a vital role in strengthening India’s aviation infrastructure and boosting the country’s position as a global travel hub. This first commercial landing marks a key step forward in this transformative project that promises to revolutionise air travel in India.
