The airport, built on undeveloped land, will feature advanced biometric systems and seamless connectivity between terminals, aiming to deliver a world-class passenger experience. The first validation flight, an IndiGo A320, successfully landed on NMIA’s runway 08-26 on Sunday at 1.32 pm after performing technical assessments and missed approach manoeuvres over Karjat and Pen. The collected data will be submitted to the aviation regulator for an aerodrome license.
This milestone comes after an Indian Air Force C-295 tactical airlifter conducted the inaugural landing on October 11, showcasing the airport’s operational readiness. The phase-1 terminal, with an annual capacity of 20 million passengers, will ease the burden on Mumbai’s congested Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. NMIA’s initial operations are expected to handle 10-12 million passengers annually, with 8-9 million domestic and 2-3 million international travelers. By mid-2026, the airport will operate at full capacity, and Terminal 2, with a 30 million annual passenger capacity, will be operational by 2028.
With Mumbai’s single-runway airport serving 52.8 million passengers annually, the addition of NMIA will provide much-needed relief. Airlines have shown significant interest in shifting operations to Navi Mumbai to tap into passenger growth. While domestic airlines are likely to split operations, smaller international carriers might fully transition to NMIA.
Connectivity will also be a highlight, with proposals for a Metro link connecting Navi Mumbai to the current Mumbai airport and enhanced highway infrastructure ensuring smooth access.
NMIA’s launch marks a turning point in Mumbai’s aviation landscape, offering modern facilities, reduced congestion, and a glimpse into the future of Indian airports.
