Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) has officially received its aerodrome licence from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), paving the way for the airport’s commissioning next month. Located in Ulwe, Raigad district, the NMIA will become the second airport in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, complementing the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) in Mumbai.
The aerodrome licence, awarded after rigorous safety and regulatory assessments, is a crucial milestone for NMIA’s operational readiness. Officials stated that the certification reflects the airport’s adherence to stringent aviation norms and positions it as a key gateway for regional and international connectivity. “With the licence in place, NMIA is poised to enhance travel options for passengers and support the city’s growing air traffic demand,” an NMIA spokesperson explained. Several airlines, including Air India, IndiGo, and Akasa Air, have already announced plans to commence operations from the airport, which is slated for inauguration on October 8. The development of NMIA is part of a strategic twin-airport model for Mumbai, similar to global examples such as Dubai’s DXB–DWC and London’s Heathrow–Gatwick. This model aims to distribute passenger and cargo traffic more efficiently, reduce operational bottlenecks, and expand route choices for airlines.
The NMIA project is being developed in phases under the oversight of Navi Mumbai International Airport Limited (NMIAL), a special purpose vehicle jointly established by Adani Airport Holdings Ltd and the City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra (CIDCO). The airport is designed with a focus on sustainability, incorporating energy-efficient systems, green building practices, and multimodal connectivity options including road, metro, suburban rail, and water transport links to ensure seamless transfer between NMIA and CSMIA. Once fully operational, the airport is expected to significantly decongest Mumbai’s existing aviation hub, supporting the city’s ambitions as a global business and tourism destination. Officials also highlighted that the development aligns with broader urban mobility goals, promoting equitable access and reducing carbon footprint through integrated transit solutions.
Experts suggest that NMIA’s launch will mark a transformative phase for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region’s infrastructure, providing not only improved connectivity but also fostering economic growth and regional development. The twin-airport strategy is anticipated to future-proof Mumbai’s aviation ecosystem, positioning it alongside the world’s major metropolitan hubs.
Also Read: Thane Ghodbunder Road To Get 14 Lane Concrete Corridor Upgrade Soon
