August 9, 2025: The Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMI) is set to enter its third and most ambitious phase of development, with the Adani Group committing an investment of 3.4 billion dollar for the project. Situated in Navi Mumbai, the airport is expected to dramatically increase air travel capacity across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
The first and second phases of construction — comprising Terminal 1, the initial runway, and a state-of-the-art cargo terminal — have already attracted investment of 2.2 billion dollar and are scheduled for inauguration in September this year. Leading carriers such as IndiGo and Akasa Air have confirmed they will commence operations from the new facility once it opens.
Phase 3 will focus on the creation of Terminal 2, a second runway, automated people movers (APMs), and metro connectivity. Construction is anticipated to begin within six to nine months, with completion targeted for mid-2029. Once operational, Terminal 2 will increase the airport’s passenger handling capacity from 20 million passengers per annum (MPPA) in its initial phase to 50 MPPA.
Adani Airport Holdings Ltd (AAHL) has confirmed that the design phase is already under way, with a budget of Rs 30,000 crore allocated for this expansion. The cargo terminal, part of the first phase, is expected to be operational by 2026. When all five planned phases are completed, NMI will boast two runways, four passenger terminals, and the capability to handle 90 million passengers annually — placing it among the largest aviation hubs in India.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has already conducted preliminary inspections for the aerodrome licence, with final approval expected by month-end. Alongside IndiGo and Akasa Air, discussions with other domestic and international carriers are progressing, ensuring strong connectivity from the outset.
Designed to act as a secondary hub to ease congestion at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM), NMI will help balance passenger loads and support future growth. The completed airport will integrate hotels, office complexes, and retail spaces on the city-side, with AAHL targeting 70% of its revenue from non-aeronautical sources by 2030.
Source: Aviation A2Z
