Navi Mumbai International Airport to Begin Operations by September 30: CM Fadnavis
Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday announced that the first passenger flight from the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is expected to take off by September 30. With nearly 94% of work completed, the state has set an ambitious deadline for the launch of commercial operations, he said.
The airport’s inauguration will be carried out by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who also performed its ground-breaking ceremony. Fadnavis, accompanied by Deputy CM Eknath Shinde and minister Ganesh Naik, inspected the NMIA site and reviewed progress on Saturday.
“This will be the most modern and fully-equipped airport in the country,” Fadnavis said. He added that instructions have been issued to ensure NMIA has the fastest baggage claim system in the world, aided by 360-degree barcode scanners for high-speed, accurate delivery.
Once fully operational with two runways, NMIA will have the capacity to handle 90 million (9 crore) passengers annually—making it significantly larger than Mumbai’s existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA).
Over 13,000 workers are deployed at the site, with additional manpower expected to meet the timeline. Fadnavis said interiors and façade work on the terminal are in the final stages, while the runway is fully complete.
The Rs 19,647-crore project, spread over 1,160 hectares, achieved financial closure in March 2022 with the State Bank of India sanctioning Rs 12,770 crore. CIDCO has executed pre-development work, including river diversion and high-tension power line relocation.
The CM highlighted NMIA’s green credentials, stating it will run on 37 MW of renewable energy, with all airport vehicles powered by electricity or alternative fuels. Plans are also underway to use sustainable aviation fuel on a large scale.
Connectivity to NMIA is a key focus, with the Atal Setu set to link the airport to the Coastal Road by March next year. Other plans include an elevated corridor from Thane and integration with suburban rail, metro, and water transport.
“To ensure seamless travel, passengers will be able to check in baggage from other cities. Travelators and, in the second phase, a metro-style train will connect terminals for efficient passenger movement,” Fadnavis added.
Regarding the airport’s name, Fadnavis said, “The state government has sent a proposal to the Centre, and both Shinde and I will follow it up with the Prime Minister.”
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