Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), nearly 94 percent complete, is set to begin passenger operations by 30 September. Initial flights will operate from 8 AM to 8 PM for two months to stabilise ground operations before full capacity deployment, sources indicate. Capable of handling up to 20 million passengers annually—equivalent to around 30 movements per hour—the airport will begin with only 8–10 flights per hour during its testing phase. This cautious approach ensures that process refinements can be made ahead of the planned winter peak.
NMIA, built across 1,160 hectares by CIDCO and backed by a ₹19,647 crore investment (with ₹12,770 crore from SBI), also emphasises sustainability. It is projected to be India’s “greenest airport,” powered by 37 MW of on-site renewable energy. All airport vehicles will be electric or alternative-fuel, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) will be promoted. The new facility aims to embed eco-friendly operations from the outset. Infrastructural integration has been central to the planning. CIDCO’s development works include river realignment, shift of power lines, and comprehensive land preparation. Connectivity plans include a Coastal Road–Atal Setu link by March next year, an elevated corridor from Thane, and access via suburban rail, metro, and water transport—an effort to ensure fully multimodal access.
Officials have proposed intercity baggage check-in facilities to streamline journeys and reduce stress on airport facilities. Passenger convenience lies at the heart of the design. Internal travelators and, in the next phase, a driverless automated people mover train will link terminals, ensuring no one walks more than 500 metres. The aim is to minimise congestion, support gender-neutral access, and enhance mobility for passengers with reduced mobility. A final decision on the airport’s name is awaiting Central government approval. The state has formally submitted its proposal and will follow up with federal authorities.
Also Read : Mumbai Metro Cuts Wait Time to Boost Suburban Commuter Experience
