The Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is poised to reach a critical milestone on 5 October, with the first trial landing of two aircraft marking a significant step in its journey toward full operational status. The much-anticipated event will see Prime Minister Narendra Modi in attendance, underscoring the national significance of this infrastructure project.
For this landmark trial, two advanced aircraft will land on NMIA’s newly constructed runway: the C-130J, a four-engine military transport aircraft, and the Sukhoi Su-30, a twin-engine fighter jet. This trial will demonstrate the capabilities of the airport’s runways and help validate the airport’s operational readiness for commercial flights.
NMIA Project Progress
NMIA, which has been under construction for several years, is expected to begin domestic operations by March 2025, with international services following in June 2025. This major infrastructure project is spearheaded by the Adani Group in partnership with the City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra (CIDCO), which holds a 26% stake in the project.
In preparation for the trial, Sanjay Shirsat, chairman of CIDCO, along with officials from the Adani Group and CIDCO vice chairman Vijay Singhal, conducted an inspection of the site. The Instrument Landing System (ILS), crucial for guiding aircraft in poor visibility conditions, has already been successfully tested by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), marking a significant step toward the airport’s operational readiness.
State-of-the-Art Infrastructure
Spread over 1,160 acres, NMIA will feature two runways, strategically positioned 1.55 km apart. The airport is designed to handle 20 million passengers annually in its initial phase, with a cargo handling capacity of 0.5 million metric tonnes per year. As construction progresses, future phases will further expand the airport’s capacity to 90 million passengers per year with the addition of a second runway and four more terminal buildings.
The airport’s development will dramatically increase the passenger handling capacity in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), easing the pressure on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) by adding 40% more capacity overnight. This expanded capacity is expected to meet the growing demand for air travel in and around Mumbai.
With its first trial landing set for October and full domestic operations planned by March 2025, Navi Mumbai International Airport is rapidly progressing toward its goal of becoming a key player in India’s aviation sector. The airport’s strategic location and cutting-edge infrastructure will not only alleviate the burden on Mumbai’s current airport but also position the region as a major hub for both passenger and cargo traffic.
