The Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), currently under construction, is poised to reach its peak operational capacity by the first quarter of the next fiscal year, according to recent traffic guidance from Adani Enterprises.
This milestone marks a significant achievement for the Adani Group, further consolidating its position in the Indian aviation sector. The airport’s operational commencement is set to alleviate pressure on the overburdened Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) in Mumbai, offering passengers enhanced travel options and services from the country’s financial capital.
The Deputy Chief Finance Officer of Adani Enterprises revealed that the initial phase of the Navi Mumbai Airport is progressing swiftly, with an expected capacity to handle 20 million passengers annually. Given the current travel patterns of Mumbai’s passengers and the extensive catchment area, the airport is anticipated to reach its peak capacity within the first quarter of FY25, significantly boosting Adani Group’s profitability and providing a robust return on its substantial investment in the airport sector. This development is also expected to quell speculations regarding the Group’s debt in the aviation sector, showcasing the airport’s potential to generate substantial revenue.
Despite the significant operational capacity projected for NMIA, officials have assured that the traffic flow at the existing Mumbai International Airport, also operated by the Adani Group, will remain unaffected. The Navi Mumbai Airport is scheduled to commence operations by March 2025, reflecting a minor delay of three months from its previously announced opening date. The construction of the runway has been completed, and the focus has now shifted to building the terminal infrastructure. Delays have primarily stemmed from acquiring necessary approvals related to disaster and risk management, although operations have proceeded smoothly.
In a significant step towards operational readiness, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) successfully tested the Instrument Landing System (ILS) at NMIA in July 2024. The ILS, which provides precision runway approaches using dual radio streams, is critical for ensuring safe landings under varying conditions. Upon full completion of all phases, NMIA is expected to handle up to 90 million passengers and 2.6 million tonnes of cargo annually by 2031-32, positioning it as a pivotal hub in India’s aviation landscape. Comparatively, CSMIA currently accommodates 55 million passengers, while Delhi Airport is set to reach a capacity of 70 million passengers this year.
NMIA is designed to feature four passenger terminals and two parallel runways, with comprehensive connectivity to major transport links, including National Highway 4B, the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, and the Sion-Panvel Highway. Future developments include a dedicated railway link, a water terminal, and a metro station, along with India’s first automated people mover system, which will facilitate seamless passenger movement across terminals.
As NMIA becomes the eighth airport under the management of Adani Airport Holdings Limited, the Adani Group continues to expand its influence in India’s aviation sector. The Group’s existing airports currently handle 23% of the country’s air traffic, serving approximately 20% of the passenger base. Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL) aims to double its consumer base, targeting 200 million passengers by 2024 and 400 million by 2028. This expansion underscores the Group’s commitment to transforming the aviation industry and significantly increasing its market share.
In addition to its core aviation operations, the Adani Group is focusing on non-aeronautical development, with several city-side projects already underway. These initiatives include the construction of commercial centres in and around airport premises, aimed at diversifying revenue streams and reducing overall debt. The Group’s strategic approach to expanding its airport business is poised to deliver substantial growth and solidify its position as a leading player in India’s infrastructure sector.
