Priyanka Tiwari
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The Navi Mumbai International Airport Ltd (NMIAL) will commence operations in June 2025, with low-cost carriers leading the transition. According to an Adani Group executive, 30 domestic weekly flights are expected to operate from the airport initially. This move aims to ease congestion at the existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) in Mumbai.
Domestic airlines will transfer a portion of their operations to NMIAL and introduce new direct routes. A larger shift in operations is expected in November when airlines finalize their winter schedules. The Mumbai airport’s domestic terminal (T1) in Vile Parle is also expected to close around the same time for reconstruction.
Strategic Role of NMIAL in Mumbai’s Aviation
NMIAL will be the second major airport serving the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Currently, CSMIA is the only operational airport, handling over 50 million passengers annually. The Adani Group manages both airports, giving it strategic leverage in discussions with airlines regarding flight schedules, terminal usage, and relocation plans.
International Flights Expected in August
International operations at NMIAL are set to begin in August 2025. The Adani Group is engaging with Star Alliance, which includes Air India, to encourage member airlines to move their operations to the new airport.
Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, confirmed the airport’s inauguration in June through a social media post. He called NMIAL a "true gift to India" and shared a video showcasing the airport’s progress.
Infrastructure and Readiness Checks
Developed at a cost of $2.1 billion, NMIAL’s first phase will accommodate up to 20 million passengers. While the airport’s runway is ready for commercial operations, terminal construction is still in progress. The airport was initially scheduled to begin operations in December 2024, but delays in construction pushed back the timeline.
Recently, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) conducted an inspection of NMIAL to assess its readiness. The DGCA also reviewed NMIAL’s preparedness for obtaining an aerodrome license.
Key Milestones in NMIAL’s Development
- December 2024: Validation landing conducted to test flight safety instruments
- October 2024: Indian Air Force’s Airbus C-295 became the first aircraft to land at NMIAL
- March 2025: Full-day inspection by DGCA and AAI to examine operational readiness
NMIAL has completed flight calibration of its Instrument Landing System (ILS) and Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI). These steps ensure compliance with aerodrome certification standards before commercial operations begin.
With NMIAL set to redefine Mumbai’s aviation landscape, the airport is expected to enhance connectivity and contribute to the region’s economic growth.
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