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The Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is progressing towards its mid-May commercial launch, marked by the release of the Aeronautical Information Publication Supplement (AIPS) by the Airports Authority of India (AAI). The AIPS has identified approximately 225 obstacles around the airport, and these are being looked into. Airlines such as Air India and IndiGo are preparing to initiate services at NMIA, with phased transitions planned to ensure a smooth shift of domestic operations. Developed jointly by Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL) and the City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra (CIDCO), NMIA aims to alleviate congestion at Mumbai's current international airport CSMIA. Future plans include a dedicated VVIP terminal by 2030.
The Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) has made a significant advancement towards becoming operational with the recent release of the Aeronautical Information Publication Supplement (AIPS) by the Airports Authority of India (AAI). The airport's commercial launch is anticipated for mid-May.
Designated as AIPS 46/2025 on the Aeronautical Information Management India website, this document offers crucial aerodrome data, a fundamental requirement for the airport's operational readiness and the acquisition of an aerodrome licence.
The AIPS has identified approximately 225 obstacles at the upcoming NMIA, detailing their type, elevation, and precise location in coordinates. To address these challenges, a "displaced threshold" has been implemented on runway 26. This means that aircraft approaching from the east will not use the physical start of the runway for landing; instead, the designated landing point begins 600 metres down the runway, ensuring safer clearance over the obstacles.
The airport operator, NMIAL, has submitted an application for the aerodrome licence to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). An NMIAL official indicated that this certification is essential to ensure the airport meets aviation safety and operational standards before commencing commercial operations.
While officials have not specified the expected timeline for approval, sources suggest that the airport is on track to receive certification before its scheduled commencement of operations in mid-May 2025. A recent inspection by DGCA and AAI officials observed substantial progress in infrastructure, including the Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower, baggage handling systems, and passenger screening facilities. However, authorities have urged developers to expedite improvements in terminal accessibility to ensure smooth passenger movement.
Airlines are preparing for operations at NMIA, with Air India planning to conduct test flights in April. The airline intends to continue its international flights from Mumbai Airport, while its domestic operations will gradually transition to the new airport.
IndiGo, which conducted a validation flight with an Airbus A320 in December, is expected to be among the first airlines to transition to NMIA. Other carriers, including Air India Express, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air, are currently discussing their operational shift. The transition of airlines will occur in phases, ensuring a smooth shift of domestic operations to the new airport.
Jointly developed by Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL) and the City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra (CIDCO) in a 74:26 partnership, NMIA is expected to play a vital role in reducing congestion at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA).
The first phase of operations will accommodate 12 million passengers annually, with long-term plans to expand capacity to 90 million passengers per year, supported by two runways and four terminals.
According to Hindustan Times, a VVIP-exclusive terminal is also being planned as part of the airport's third phase of expansion. Construction of this terminal will commence in the 2026-2027 financial year and is expected to be fully operational by 2030. Currently, Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) lacks a dedicated VVIP terminal.
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