Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Oct 6: Mumbai’s wait for a second airport is set to end as the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is slated to begin operations following its ceremonial inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 8. Commercial flights are expected to start by mid-November.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed that the airport will be named after the late DB Patil, a politician and social activist known for supporting project-affected communities.

Key highlights of NMIA:

• Passenger capacity & runway: The greenfield airport will initially operate with one runway and terminal but is designed to handle nine crore passengers annually once fully functional. The 3,700-metre runway can accommodate large commercial aircraft, with modern terminals and advanced air traffic control systems.
• Airlines: IndiGo, Akasa Air, and Air India Express are expected to launch initial flights connecting major domestic destinations.
• Cargo operations: Cargo handling will expand from 0.50 MMT to 2.60 MMT in phases, transitioning from manual operations to a fully mechanised, technology-driven facility.
• Multi-modal connectivity: NMIA will be India’s first major airport integrated with expressways, metro, suburban rail, and waterways. A dedicated Automated People Mover (APM) will link terminals, while infrastructure for sustainable aviation fuel is also planned.
• Architectural design: The terminal design draws inspiration from the lotus, reflecting elegance and cultural symbolism.
• Phased expansion: Spanning 1,160 hectares, the airport will develop in five phases, with Terminal 2 in 2029, Terminal 3 in 2032, and Terminal 4 by 2036.
• Regional significance: Designed to become one of Asia’s major aviation hubs, NMIA aims to handle nine crore passengers and 3.2 million metric tonnes of cargo annually, rivaling established regional airports.

The new airport is expected to significantly ease congestion at Mumbai’s existing airport and serve as a state-of-the-art gateway for domestic and international travelers.