Navi Mumbai’s Greenfield International Airport to Start Operations by April 17, 2025
The long-awaited Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is poised to officially open on April 17, 2025, with commercial operations scheduled to begin in the second week of May. Arun Bansal, Group CEO of Adani Airports Holding Ltd (AAHL), shared the update on Sunday afternoon during a press briefing, following the landmark moment when the first commercial flight landed at the airport.
An Indigo A320 aircraft, arriving from Mumbai, marked the inaugural commercial flight to the airport at 1:38 PM on Sunday. This brief journey, from Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) to NMIA, is believed to be one of the shortest commercial flights in Indian aviation history, highlighting the close proximity of the two airports. Bansal stated that the application for the aerodrome permit would be submitted to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on February 6, 2025, and the airport expects to receive approval within 70 days. The swift progress of the project indicates that the airport will be ready for operations by mid-May, following its inauguration in April.
“We are eager to welcome passengers post-inauguration. Our discussions with airlines, both domestic and international, are progressing well, and we aim to provide comprehensive connectivity,” Bansal added. The new airport is expected to ease the burden on the congested CSMIA and support the growing demand for air travel in the region. NMIA is designed to handle up to 20 million passengers annually in its first phase, with the capacity to eventually expand to 90 million. Its state-of-the-art amenities will provide a high-quality experience for passengers, which Bansal believes will be a draw for airlines. Construction of a second terminal is expected to begin by March 2028 to accommodate future growth.
Looking ahead, the first international flights are expected to commence by July 2025, with connectivity arrangements still being finalised. In addition, the airport’s strategic location will be further complemented by metro connectivity between NMIA and CSMIA, reducing travel time between the two hubs, which are approximately 35 km apart. In terms of safety and operational readiness, NMIA reached another significant milestone on December 12, 2024, when the Airports Authority of India (AAI) successfully validated the Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) system, crucial for guiding pilots during landings. This system ensures a safe and precise landing approach, vital for both day and night operations. The airport also celebrated a key achievement on October 11, 2024, when an Indian Air Force (IAF) C-295 aircraft successfully completed a test landing, underscoring NMIA’s capacity to handle a wide range of aircraft types.
Once operational, NMIA will function as the second international airport in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), complementing CSMIA and easing pressure on the city’s existing aviation infrastructure. The airport will play a crucial role in enhancing connectivity and boosting economic activity in the region. With a focus on world-class facilities, extensive airline partnerships, and a strategic location, NMIA is set to become a major hub in India’s aviation sector, shaping the future of air travel in Mumbai and beyond.
