PM Modi Inaugurates ₹19,650 Crore Navi Mumbai International Airport — India’s New Aviation Landmark to Rival Heathrow and Incheon

Mumbai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday inaugurated the first phase of the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) — one of India’s largest and most ambitious infrastructure projects — built at a cost of ₹19,650 crore.

The new airport, developed by Adani Airport Holdings Ltd. (AAHL) in collaboration with CIDCO, marks a defining moment for India’s aviation growth, promising to ease congestion at Mumbai’s existing airport and establish the region as a major global aviation hub on par with Heathrow (London) and Incheon (Seoul).

“Now Mumbai has a new airport — Asia’s largest connectivity hub. The city also has an underground metro, a major achievement in modern infrastructure development,”
said PM Modi, during the inauguration ceremony.

Phase 1: Key Highlights

• Terminal & Runway: One terminal building and one 3,700-meter Code F runway operational.
• Passenger Capacity: 20 million passengers annually in the first phase.
• Connectivity: First airport in India with water taxi connectivity and an Automated People Mover (APM) system linking all terminals.
• Sustainability: Dedicated Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) storage, EV-based ground operations, and 47 MW solar power planned in later phases.

The airport spans 1,160 hectares and is expected to handle 90 million passengers per year by 2036 — more than double the capacity of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA).

🏗️ Future Expansion Timeline

Global Benchmarks and Design Vision

NMIA’s architectural design draws inspiration from the lotus flower, symbolizing freedom and infinity.
CEO B.V.J.K. Sharma noted that the airport is engineered to match Heathrow’s efficiency and Incheon’s logistics capabilities, with a focus on technology, sustainability, and passenger comfort.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has lauded NMIA for easing congestion in the Mumbai region and improving air connectivity, calling it a “critical driver of India’s $53.6 billion aviation economy.”

Passenger Experience and Smart Technology

NMIA integrates AI-powered predictive systems and Digi Yatra for seamless travel.
Key features include:

• Real-time baggage tracking and hands-free handling
• 110+ retail and F&B outlets including breweries and Mumbai-inspired eateries
• Kids’ zones, digital tunnels, and CIP lounges for 500+ passengers
• Transit hotel with 80 short-stay rooms
• Pranaam meet-and-greet service
• Smart airport management app (aviio) with 5G-enabled digital systems
• IoT-based operations, Wi-Fi, and automated cargo handling

Cargo operations will initially manage 0.5 million metric tonnes per year, expanding to 3.2 million with specialized handling for pharma, perishables, hazardous materials, and express cargo.

Connectivity and Access

NMIA enjoys robust multimodal connectivity:

• Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (Atal Setu): Travel time from Wadala to NMIA in 35 minutes.
• Metro Link: Connecting Belapur, CSMIA, and key city hubs by 2029.
• Toll-free access via Vashi, improving intra-city flow.
• Proximity: 14 km from JNPT Port, 22 km from Taloja MIDC, and 32 km from Thane.

Sustainability and Green Infrastructure

NMIA prioritizes eco-friendly construction and operations, featuring:

• Rainwater harvesting and low-flow fixtures
• Electric buses and vehicles for airside transit
• Passive cooling lotus-inspired roof
• Automated People Movers (APMs) to reduce internal carbon emissions

Economic and Employment Impact

Upon completion, NMIA is expected to employ over 100,000 people directly and indirectly, significantly contributing to India’s economic growth and aviation infrastructure development.

As India prepares for an aviation boom, Navi Mumbai International Airport stands as a symbol of modern engineering, smart mobility, and sustainable progress — redefining the future of flight in the country.