The Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is poised to become operational early in the next fiscal year, with a commercial inauguration set for April 17, 2024. A significant milestone was reached when an IndiGo A320 aircraft successfully landed on the under-construction airport's runway, marking a step toward securing an aerodrome license from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Developed as a joint venture between Adani Airport Holdings Ltd (AAHL) and CIDCO, NMIA represents a critical solution to Mumbai’s congested aviation infrastructure, with plans to handle up to 90 million passengers annually once all phases are complete.

Milestone Achieved: First Aircraft Lands at NMIA

Successful Validation Flight:
On Sunday, an IndiGo A320 passenger aircraft landed successfully at runway 08/26 of the Navi Mumbai International Airport. The landing, which occurred at 1:32 pm, marked the first commercial validation flight at the facility, paving the way for the airport to obtain its aerodrome license from the DGCA.

Commercial Inauguration Timeline:
Adani Airport Holdings Ltd CEO Arun Bansal announced plans for the airport’s commercial inauguration on April 17, 2024. Domestic operations are expected to begin by mid-May, with international flights commencing by late July.

Development and Investment

Infrastructure and Funding:
NMIA is being developed at an investment of Rs 16,700 crore. The project aims to alleviate the congestion at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), which currently struggles to meet demand due to its single-runway configuration.

Key Features:

Two Runways and Four Terminals: At full capacity, NMIA will accommodate up to 90 million passengers annually.
Phased Development:
Phases 1 and 2: One runway and one terminal, with an initial capacity of 20 million passengers.
Phases 3-5: A second runway, additional terminals, and expanded capacity to 90 million passengers.

Impact on Mumbai's Aviation Ecosystem

Addressing Passenger Overflow:
Mumbai’s current airport handles approximately 50 million passengers annually, though demand exceeds 65 million. NMIA will address this shortfall, capturing growth from the Mumbai region and nearby states.

Strategic Split Operations:
Bansal noted that airlines are unlikely to shift their entire operations to NMIA. Instead, a dual-airport system will emerge, with airlines splitting operations between CSMIA and NMIA to optimize capacity and logistics.

Operational Capacity and Expansion

Passenger Handling Projections:

By December 2025: NMIA will handle 10–12 million passengers annually.
By mid-2026: The airport’s capacity will rise to 20 million passengers.
By March 2028: A second terminal will boost capacity to 30 million passengers per year.
Runway and Terminal Capabilities:
The initial runway can support up to 50 air traffic movements per hour. However, passenger handling capacity will be limited until the second terminal becomes operational.

Validation and Licensing Progress

Flight Validation and Water Salute:
The successful touchdown of the validation flight was celebrated with a traditional water salute. This exercise tested the synchronisation of Instrument Approach Procedures at NMIA.

Preparations for Commercial Operations:
Prior to the validation flight, NMIA conducted:

Calibration of Instrument Landing System (ILS).
Setup of Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI).
These steps ensure that the airport meets international safety and operational standards.
Aerodrome License Process:
Following the validation flight, NMIA will publish its established flight procedures in the Electronic Aeronautical Information Publication (eAIP) for international dissemination. This step is critical for securing the DGCA's aerodrome license.

Future Outlook for NMIA

Enhanced Air Traffic Management:
NMIA’s development is a strategic response to India’s growing air travel demand. The airport will provide relief to Mumbai’s overburdened aviation infrastructure, enabling airlines to accommodate additional passenger traffic.

Economic and Regional Impact:
The airport is expected to boost economic growth in Navi Mumbai and surrounding regions, creating jobs and attracting investments in related sectors.