June 13, 2025: Pre-development works for the second phase of the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) will begin in October, confirmed BVJK Sharma, Chief Executive Officer of Navi Mumbai International Airport Ltd (NMIAL). The upcoming phase will include the construction of a second terminal and an additional runway to cater to projected passenger growth.
The first phase of the airport is expected to be operational by the end of August, although the official launch date is yet to be finalised. Airlines such as IndiGo and Akasa Air have already confirmed their plans to operate from the new hub, while discussions are underway with Air India to integrate the airport into its route network.
“At the outset, we will operate between 8 to 10 air traffic movements per hour, with plans to increase this to 30 by April next year,” Sharma said during the Inter Passenger Terminal Show. Although the existing runway can support up to 45 movements an hour, current terminal limitations will constrain capacity initially. To address this, the Adani Group is expediting the development of the second terminal and runway.
The airport is set to accommodate 20 million passengers annually in its first phase. The second phase is expected to increase this capacity by an additional 30 to 35 million passengers. Preparatory works such as excavation and soil testing will begin in October, and the terminal design will be selected via an architectural competition. Both the second terminal and runway are scheduled for completion by 2029, with construction carried out modularly to avoid disrupting ongoing operations.
Sharma also highlighted the airport’s focus on a seamless passenger experience, enabled through the Digital Yatra platform and the Adani One app. Enhanced security screening using body scanners and CT x-ray systems is also planned, in coordination with aviation authorities.
Source: Construction World
