Adani’s Navi Mumbai Airport: The much-anticipated Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is on final approach to receive its aerodrome licence from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) by the end of August or early September, paving the way for commercial flight operations to commence by mid-November to December 2025. The development, confirmed by top officials at Adani Airport Holdings Ltd (AAHL), marks a critical milestone for the greenfield project, which is poised to decongest Mumbai’s skies and become a pivotal hub for the region.
The Final Hurdles: Licensing and Launch Timeline
With approximately 94% of the physical construction complete as of July 2025, the airport is now navigating the final regulatory stages before its grand opening. AAHL, the Adani Group subsidiary building the airport, filed its application for the aerodrome licence several months ago. The DGCA conducted a preliminary inspection in mid-July, and a final review is expected in the coming weeks, after which the licence is anticipated to be granted.
Once the inauguration takes place, a 45-day period will be required to operationalize the airport fully, including handing over security to the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). This timeline positions the first commercial flights to take off by mid-November 2025. AAHL CEO Arun Bansal has stated that the airport aims to launch domestic and international operations simultaneously from day one.
A Glimpse of Phase 1: Capacity, Airlines, and Technology
The first phase of NMIA has been built with an investment of ₹20,000 crore and is designed to handle an initial capacity of 20 million passengers per annum (MPPA) and 0.8 million metric tonnes of cargo. Officials are confident the airport will reach this passenger run-rate within just six months of opening, a testament to the immense demand in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
- Airlines on Board: Major carriers including IndiGo and Akasa Air have already committed to starting operations from NMIA. IndiGo plans to launch with 18 daily departures, scaling up significantly thereafter, while Akasa Air will also establish a presence. Talks are reportedly in advanced stages with other domestic and international airlines.
- Cutting-Edge Infrastructure: The airport will feature a 3,700-meter runway capable of handling large aircraft. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis highlighted that NMIA will boast the “world’s fastest baggage claim system,” utilizing 360-degree barcode scanners to ensure efficiency.
Ambitious Expansion Already in Motion
Driven by strong demand forecasts, AAHL is not waiting for Phase 1 to reach saturation. Planning for the airport’s next phase of expansion has already begun, which aims to treble the capacity to 60 MPPA. This next stage, set to be completed by 2029, will include a second runway, a second terminal building (T2), and an automated people mover (APM) to connect the terminals.
The total investment for the entire project is projected to approach ₹50,000 crore. Upon final completion across all planned phases, NMIA will have the capacity to handle over 90 million passengers annually, transforming it into one of the world’s major aviation gateways.
Easing the Burden on Mumbai
A primary objective of NMIA is to alleviate the severe congestion at the existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), which currently handles traffic far beyond its intended capacity. To ensure a smooth transition and prevent overcrowding at CSMIA’s Terminal 2, the plan to dismantle its domestic Terminal 1 has been deferred. The closure of T1 will now coincide with the opening of NMIA’s second phase in 2029.
The new airport is supported by a network of multi-modal connectivity. The recently inaugurated Mumbai Trans Harbour Sea Link (MTHL) provides a crucial high-speed road link, and further integration with suburban rail and metro lines is underway to ensure seamless access for travelers across the region.
With successful test flights and system calibrations already completed, the countdown to Navi Mumbai International Airport’s launch has officially begun, promising a new era for aviation in India.
