Navi Mumbai: The Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) has moved a step closer to becoming operational, with its airside infrastructure now fully completed, according to a report presented by Navi Mumbai International Airport Limited (NMIAL) to the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO).
This progress update was shared during a review meeting held on Friday, April 18, chaired by CIDCO Vice Chairman and MD Vijay Singhal. The session focused on assessing the airport’s preparedness for its upcoming inauguration.
Regulatory Clearances Underway as Airlines Queue Up
With critical components like the runway, taxiways, and other aviation systems finalized, attention has turned to securing essential approvals. These include an Aerodrome License from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and security clearance from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS). Both approvals are reportedly moving forward without complications.
Representatives from CIDCO, Adani Group, Larsen & Toubro (L&T), and NMIAL attended the meeting. A CIDCO official told The Indian Express that departments involved are coordinating efficiently to avoid any delays and meet all set timelines. Additionally, airlines have started applying for takeoff and landing slots at NMIA, with the DGCA in the process of reviewing these requests.
Focus Shifts to Terminal Completion and Connectivity
Following the completion of the airside zone, efforts are now centered on finishing the passenger terminal, improving road connectivity, and conducting the crucial Operation Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) trials to ensure smooth airport operations at launch. CIDCO is collaborating with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and other agencies to expedite access road development.
The NMIA is being developed to handle 20 million passengers per year in its initial phase and scale up to 90 million passengers and 3.2 million tonnes of cargo. The facility will span 1,160 hectares and include features such as a Code F-compliant runway, advanced freight terminals, and eco-friendly infrastructure like solar power and rainwater harvesting systems.
Bi-weekly reviews will continue to keep the project on schedule. Once open, NMIA is expected to significantly reduce traffic load on Mumbai’s current airport.