Navi Mumbai International Airport's First Phase Inaugurated

7 October, 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Phase 1 of the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), India's largest greenfield airport project. Built at a cost of approximately ₹19,650 crore, the airport is designed to ease congestion at Mumbai's existing airport and establish the city as a global multi-airport hub. The lotus-inspired design features advanced sustainability and transit systems. The airport is projected to eventually handle 90 million passengers and 3.25 million metric tonnes of cargo annually.

Unpacked:

When will the Navi Mumbai International Airport begin passenger operations?

Although inaugurated on October 8, 2025, passenger flights are expected to commence by mid-December 2025 after final testing and regulatory approvals are completed.

Who is responsible for building and operating the airport?

The airport is developed by Navi Mumbai International Airport Limited (NMIAL), a partnership between Adani Airports Holdings Limited and CIDCO. The Adani Group took over management in 2021, overseeing construction and future operations.

How will the airport’s opening affect congestion at Mumbai’s current airport?

NMIA is intended to significantly reduce congestion at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport by providing additional capacity, initially supporting 8 to 10 air traffic movements per hour and scaling up as operations stabilize.

What are some notable design and sustainability features of the airport?

The terminal features a lotus-inspired design by Zaha Hadid Architects, incorporates advanced digital systems, and emphasizes environmental sustainability through green building elements and efficient transit integration.