The highly anticipated Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is set to achieve a significant milestone, with its first trial landing scheduled for October 5. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend the event as the airport nears the completion of its initial phase. Domestic flight operations are projected to commence by March 2025, with international flights following in June 2025.
Sanjay Shirsat, the recently appointed chairman of City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO), led an inspection of the airport site on Tuesday, accompanied by CIDCO vice chairman and managing director Vijay Singhal and officials from the Adani Group, which is constructing the airport through Navi Mumbai International Airport Ltd. CIDCO holds a 25% stake in the project.
After reviewing the progress, Shirsat addressed the media, stating, “The airport construction is progressing at a satisfactory pace to meet our targets. On October 5, an Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft will land at the airport for a trial run on the runway. We plan to conduct the trial in the presence of the Prime Minister. All necessary arrangements are being overseen by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde himself.”
Shirsat further shared that once the test landing is successfully completed, the airport will be operational for domestic flights by March 2025. International flights are expected to follow shortly, with a June 2025 target.
The NMIA project, which has faced multiple delays since its inception, is expected to cost over ₹16,700 crore and is finally on track for completion. In August, the Airport Authority of India (AAI) successfully completed the Instrument Landing System (ILS) testing, which is crucial for ensuring the runway’s operational readiness. Following this, the AAI submitted a report for the instrument approach procedure, marking a critical step towards NMIA’s operational certification.
Shirsat highlighted the airport’s transformative impact on the region, calling it a “game changer for Navi Mumbai.” The project will feature four inter-connected terminals, with facilities for parking up to 350 aircraft. Additionally, NMIA will offer extensive metro, rail, and road connectivity, making it a key transport hub for the region.
With the trial landing in sight, NMIA is edging closer to becoming a reality, promising to bolster connectivity and catalyze economic growth for Navi Mumbai and its surrounding areas.
