Navi Mumbai International Airport set for May 15 launch, final preparations underway

Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is set to open its doors on May 15, officials confirmed on Tuesday. This marks a significant milestone for the region's aviation infrastructure, which is poised to ease the growing congestion at Mumbai's existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA).

The confirmation comes after the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) carried out an on-site assessment of the airport’s readiness on Tuesday. As per reports, all necessary permits will be applied for by March 5.

During an earlier assessment in December, the aviation regulator had raised concerns about the airport’s readiness after its commercial flight validation test. An IndiGo A320 successfully landed on runway 08/26, but DGCA highlighted some operational gaps that needed attention. However, following Tuesday’s assessment, it was reported that 90% of the issues had now been addressed.

The next step in the process is the application for the aerodrome license, which is scheduled for submission by February 28. Once submitted, DGCA will approve the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) by March 7, with publication slated before the end of April. AIP is a crucial document that provides pilots and flight operators with vital information for the safe operation of aircraft in the airspace surrounding the airport.

The opening of NMIA will provide relief to Mumbai’s overburdened CSMIA, which currently operates on a single runway. The new airport will handle 10-12 million passengers per annum (ppa) initially, with 9 million domestic and 3 million international travellers. Additionally, Terminal 2 at NMIA, with a capacity of 30 million ppa, is slated to begin operations by the end of 2028.