In a major milestone for Maharashtra’s aviation ambitions, the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) has been granted an Aerodrome Licence for public use by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on September 30, 2025. This critical approval, announced by Navi Mumbai International Airport Ltd., confirms that the airport has met stringent safety and regulatory standards, paving the way for its operational launch. The greenfield airport, located near Ulwe and Panvel, is poised to become a game-changer for Mumbai’s aviation infrastructure, with its inauguration slated for October 8-9, 2025, during a visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as confirmed by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
The Aerodrome Licence authorizes NMIA to serve as a regular hub for aircraft landings and departures, marking a significant step toward its integration into India’s aviation network. “This achievement reflects our commitment to meeting the highest safety and operational standards,” said a spokesperson for Navi Mumbai International Airport Ltd. The airport is designed to operate as part of a twin-airport system alongside Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), mirroring global models like Dubai’s DXB–DWC, London’s Heathrow–Gatwick, and New York’s JFK–Newark pairings.
The NMIA is being developed in five phases, with the initial phase set to handle 20 million passengers per annum (MPPA) and 0.5 million metric tons (MMT) of cargo. Upon completion, the airport’s capacity will soar to 90 MPPA and 3.2 MMT of cargo annually, positioning it as a vital hub for both passenger and freight traffic. This scalability aligns it with global giants like Dubai International, which already manages over 90 million passengers yearly, and London’s multi-airport system, which handles 180 million passengers across Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, and Luton.
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The Air India group has already announced ambitious plans for NMIA, with its low-cost carrier, Air India Express, set to launch 20 daily departures to over 15 cities in the first phase. By mid-2026, this is expected to expand to 55 daily flights, including five international routes, signaling robust connectivity for domestic and global travelers. The Tata Group-controlled airline aims to leverage NMIA’s strategic location to enhance Mumbai’s status as a global aviation hub.
The NMIA–CSMIA pairing is set to elevate Mumbai’s aviation ecosystem to world-class standards, offering seamless connectivity and capacity to rival leading multi-airport cities. With its cutting-edge infrastructure and phased expansion, NMIA promises to alleviate pressure on CSMIA, reduce congestion, and boost economic growth in the region. As the countdown to its inauguration begins, Navi Mumbai International Airport is poised to redefine air travel in India, delivering modern facilities and enhanced accessibility for millions of passengers.
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