The Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is set to begin commercial operations in May 2025, officials announced after the successful trial of its first commercial flight. They hailed the milestone as a historic step toward transforming India’s aviation infrastructure.
Adani Airport Holding CEO Arun Bansal described the trial landing as a significant achievement. “We have taken a major step forward. The first terminal of the airport will be inaugurated on April 17, 2025, and commercial flights will begin operations in May. The terminal will have an annual capacity to handle 2 crore passengers,” he said.
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Bansal emphasized the potential of India’s aviation market, projecting fivefold growth. He noted that greenfield airports like NMIA are vital to meet future demand and generate thousands of jobs. Upon completion of all phases, the airport is expected to handle up to 9 crore passengers and 30 lakh tonnes of cargo annually, with 8 lakh tonnes of cargo capacity operational in the first phase.
CIDCO Managing Director Vijay Singhal highlighted NMIA’s connectivity as a game-changer for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). “The airport is well-connected to South Mumbai through Atal Setu and linked to multiple Metro lines, ensuring easy access for the entire region,” he said.
NMIA CEO BVJK Sharma reflected on the challenges overcome during construction. “We began with a large mountain and numerous villages on the site. Preparing the land and building the terminal was a monumental task,” he remarked.
The airport, scheduled to open on April 17, 2025, is poised to boost regional development and create extensive employment opportunities. Major airlines are expected to begin operations at the state-of-the-art facility, marking a new chapter in Indian aviation.