Prime Minister Modi Inaugurates Phase 1 of Navi Mumbai International Airport

Historic Inauguration Marks New Era for Mumbai Aviation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially inaugurated Phase 1 of the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, marking a significant milestone in India's aviation infrastructure. The project, developed at an estimated cost of ₹19,650 crore, is designed to serve as the second international airport for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, aiming to ease the considerable air traffic burden on the existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA).

During the inauguration, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the airport's role in establishing the region as 'one of Asia's largest connectivity hubs' and emphasized its contribution to the 'Viksit Bharat 2047' vision. He also launched the final phase of the Mumbai Metro Line-3 and the 'Mumbai One' integrated mobility app on the same day, underscoring a broader push for modern urban infrastructure.

Advanced Features and Capacity

The Navi Mumbai International Airport is a greenfield airport project, spread across 1,160 hectares in Ulwe, Navi Mumbai, approximately 37 km from South Mumbai. It is a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between Adani Airports Holdings Limited (AAHL), holding a 74% stake, and the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO), holding the remaining 26%.

Phase 1 of NMIA features:

• One terminal building and one 3,700-meter Code F runway.
• An initial annual passenger handling capacity of 20 million (2 crore) passengers.
• A design inspired by the lotus flower, conceptualized by Zaha Hadid Architects.
• Designation as India's first 'fully digital airport,' offering facilities for pre-booking vehicle parking, online baggage drop, and immigration services.
• Provisions for water taxi connectivity, an Automated People Mover (APM) system, dedicated storage for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), and solar power generation.

Upon full completion, the airport is projected to handle 90 million passengers annually and 3.25 million metric tonnes of cargo, positioning it among the largest airports in Asia.

Operational Timeline and Economic Impact

While the inauguration of Phase 1 has taken place, commercial flight operations are anticipated to commence in December 2025, following necessary security sweeps, testing, and mobilization of customs and immigration teams. Major airlines, including IndiGo, Akasa Air, and Air India Express, have already expressed plans to operate from NMIA.

The airport is expected to generate over 2 lakh jobs across various sectors and significantly boost the regional economy by attracting investment and facilitating trade. Prime Minister Modi noted that the airport would connect Maharashtra's farmers to international markets in Europe and the Middle East, reducing logistical costs for small and medium industries. Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, stated that the airport 'creates tomorrow's exponential possibilities' and reflects 'the dreams, ambitions and achievements of a nation reclaiming its place at the centre of global progress.'