On 8 October 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Phase 1 of the much-anticipated Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) — Mumbai’s second international aviation hub. Developed at a cost of about ₹19,650 crore, this greenfield airport is set to transform air travel, regional connectivity, and the urban landscape of Mumbai
Inauguration video Live in Mumbaihttps://youtu.be/98o0LTfJNNE
Key Features & Capacity
Scale & Layout: Spread over 1,160 hectares in Ulwe / Panvel, NMIA is developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between the Adani Group (74%) and CIDCO (26%).
- Phase 1 Capacity: It will begin operations with Terminal 1 and one runway, handling 20 million passengers per annum and 0.8 million metric tonnes of cargo capacity in this initial phase.
- Full Build-out Plans: Eventually, NMIA is planned to have four terminals, two parallel runways, and the ability to process up to 90 million passengers and 3.25 million metric tonnes of cargo annually.
- Design & Architecture: The terminal is inspired by the lotus flower — both in its outer form and in architectural motifs. The design includes large sculptural / mega-columns, extensive use of glass façades, jaali (lattice) patterns for natural lighting, and integrated interiors showcasing Maharashtra’s art and culture.
- Sustainability & Technology: The airport has been built with several eco-friendly and digital features:
- Solar power installations (~47 MW)
- Storage facilities for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
- Electric buses for internal transit
- Automated People Mover (APM) to link terminals and streamline passenger flow
- Fully digital / paperless processes (online baggage drop, digital immigration, etc.)
Why It Matters
- Easing Congestion: The existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) has almost reached saturation; NMIA will share the load, improving efficiency, reducing delays, and accommodating growing air traffic.
- Improved Connectivity: The airport is planned to have multimodal access — expressways, highways, suburban rail, metro lines, and even a water taxi service. This will help connect ultramodern air travel with existing transport infrastructure.
- Economic Impact: Besides boosting tourism, trade, and passenger traffic, the airport is expected to generate employment in aviation, hospitality, logistics, and allied sectors.
Operational & Launch Details
- Inauguration Date: 8 October 2025, by PM Narendra Modi.
- First Commercial Flights: Scheduled to begin in December 2025.
- DGCA Approval: The airport received its aerodrome licence from DGCA on 30 September 2025.
- Airlines: IndiGo, Air India group, and Akasa Air have confirmed plans to shift or begin portions of their operations from NMIA.
Challenges & Considerations
- Full Operational Readiness: While the airport has been inaugurated, final checks (ORAT – Operational Readiness & Airport Transfer) for baggage, security, air traffic, etc., are necessary before full commercial operations.
- Connectivity Links: Some connecting infrastructure (roads, coastal roads, metro linkages) needs to be fully ready to realise the full benefit. Delays in ancillary transport routes could affect last-mile access.
- Environmental & Social Impact: Large scale infrastructure inevitably brings environmental and displacement concerns; sustainable practices will need continuous oversight.
Conclusion
The inauguration of Navi Mumbai International Airport marks a landmark moment for Mumbai, Maharashtra, and India’s aviation ambitions. PM Modi’s unveiling signals not just the opening of a new terminal, but the start of a future-ready transport ecosystem designed for growth, technology, sustainability, and global connectivity. If all phases proceed as planned, Mumbai is well on its way to becoming one of the world’s major multi-airport metro hubs.