By Srinivas Iyer
The highly anticipated Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is gearing up for a significant milestone, with its first trial landing scheduled for October 5. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend the event. The airport is set to begin domestic operations in March 2025, followed by international flights in June 2025.
On Tuesday, Sanjay Shirsat, the newly appointed chairman of the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO), visited the NMIA site along with Vijay Singhal, CIDCO’s vice chairman and managing director, and officials from the Adani Group. The Adani Group is constructing the airport through Navi Mumbai International Airport Ltd, while CIDCO holds a 25% stake in the project.
Shirsat expressed satisfaction with the progress, stating, “The construction is progressing well, and we are on track to meet our targets. An Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft will conduct a trial landing on the runway on October 5, with the Prime Minister in attendance. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is also personally overseeing the necessary arrangements.”
Following the successful trial, domestic operations will commence in March 2025, and international operations are expected to begin in June 2025. The NMIA project, which has been in the works for years and is estimated to cost over ₹16,700 crore, is finally approaching completion.
In preparation for its launch, the Airport Authority of India completed the Instrument Landing System (ILS) testing last month. This crucial test calibrates the flight path to ensure the airport’s readiness. Afterward, a report was submitted to develop the instrument approach procedure. Additional tests and required approvals are expected to follow before the NMIA receives its operational license.
The airport’s development marks a significant milestone for Navi Mumbai and is expected to greatly enhance connectivity and economic growth in the region.
