Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) achieved a significant milestone on Sunday by successfully conducting its first flight validation test. An Indigo Airlines A320 aircraft safely landed on runway 08/26, marking a major step forward in the airport’s operational readiness.
Senior officials from key agencies, including the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Airports Authority of India (AAI), Customs, Immigration, Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra Limited (CIDCO), India Meteorological Department (IMD), Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), and Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL), supervised the exercise.
“This marks a monumental day for Navi Mumbai International Airport. The successful validation flight trial is a critical step toward operationalizing the airport, with safety as our top priority. We appreciate the DGCA and all agencies’ support in achieving this milestone. NMIA is set to provide world-class aviation services and foster regional development,” said Arun Bansal, CEO of Adani Airport Holdings Limited.
The validation flight tested and confirmed the coordination of Instrument Approach Procedures at NMIA. This involved technical assessments and landing and takeoff maneuvers, allowing the DGCA to analyze flight data and advance the airport toward receiving its aerodrome license, a prerequisite for operations.
Following this success, officials will publish NMIA’s established flight procedures in the Electronic Aeronautical Information Publication (eAIP) for international dissemination.
Before this validation flight, the airport successfully calibrated its Instrument Landing System (ILS) and Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI).
These preparations ensured the accuracy of the flight path and readiness for safe landings. On October 11, an Indian Air Force C-295 tactical airlifter landed at the airport, symbolizing a significant milestone in developing this greenfield project.
Located about 35 kilometers from Mumbai Airport, the NMIA spans 1,160 hectares. CIDCO, the project’s concessioning authority and a Government of Maharashtra undertaking, has estimated the airport’s development cost at ₹16,700 crore.
Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) holds a 74% stake in NMIA, while CIDCO owns the remaining 26%. The two companies are developing the airport through a public-private partnership.
The airport is planned to be developed in phases. Once fully operational, it will handle over 90 million passengers per year.
With these advancements, NMIA is on track to become a key driver of growth for the region, offering state-of-the-art facilities and enhancing connectivity in India’s aviation landscape.
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