August 22, 2025: Navi Mumbai’s long-awaited international airport is poised to transform India’s aviation sector, forming the cornerstone of a Rs 1 trillion expansion plan that includes upgrades to Mumbai’s existing hub and several regional airports. Over the next five years, this ambitious investment in infrastructure and real estate is expected to enhance passenger experience and support sustainable growth in one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets.
The Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is scheduled to commence operations later this year, with an initial capacity of 20 million passengers annually, at an estimated cost of Rs 190 billion. Designed as a phased project, the second terminal will eventually handle 50 million passengers per year, with the airport’s full capacity projected at 90 million, positioning it among the largest hubs in the region.
Meanwhile, Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) is set for a major transformation, with a new terminal slated for completion by 2032 at a cost of Rs 50 billion. Officials emphasised that these developments are underpinned by robust equity commitments and refinancing support from lenders, reflecting confidence in India’s long-term aviation growth.
Regional airport upgrades are also underway, with expansions planned in Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Thiruvananthapuram and Lucknow, while Guwahati’s new terminal is expected to be operational later this year. Collectively, these projects represent one of the largest coordinated investments ever in India’s airport sector.
Sustainability remains central to the expansion. Modern airport infrastructure is being designed with green building standards, renewable energy integration, and transit-oriented development. Navi Mumbai, in particular, is envisaged as an aviation-led urban centre, catalysing clean mobility and real estate growth.
Industry experts highlight that strengthening domestic airport capacity is essential to capture traffic currently routed via Gulf and Southeast Asian hubs. With 26 airports identified under public–private partnership (PPP) models, India’s aviation sector is set for rapid growth, with new-generation airports serving as gateways for passengers and engines of sustainable urban development for decades to come.
Source: Construction World
