August 25, 2025: The much-anticipated Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), officially named D B Patil International Airport, is set for inauguration at the end of September, with operations expected to commence within 45 days. Designed as Mumbai’s second airport, it will ease congestion at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) and strengthen the city’s position as a multimodal aviation hub.
Developed under a public–private partnership between Navi Mumbai International Airport Pvt Ltd (NMIAL), a subsidiary of Adani Airport Holdings Ltd with a 74% stake, and CIDCO of Maharashtra holding the remaining 26%, the project represents an investment of nearly Rs 20,000 crore in its first phase. This stage will feature a common terminal for domestic and international passengers and a single runway, designed to handle 20 million passengers annually, supported by 42 aircraft stands.
Inspired by the lotus, India’s national flower, NMIA will expand in phases, ultimately reaching a capacity of 90 million passengers per annum with two runways and four terminals. Future phases, involving a further investment of around Rs 30,000 crore, will include automated people movers, additional runways and terminals, and enhanced sustainability features such as 47 MW solar power generation, rainwater harvesting, and the use of electric vehicles on the airside.
The airport promises seamless passenger experiences with 5G connectivity, automated baggage handling, real-time tracking, and a contactless travel journey under Digi Yatra. Retail, dining, lounges, and cultural installations will showcase Mumbai’s heritage.
Strategically located just 37 km from South Mumbai, NMIA offers multimodal connectivity through the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, Sion–Panvel Highway, suburban rail, Navi Mumbai Metro, and planned water taxis. The airport will also serve as a logistics gateway, with an integrated cargo terminal capable of handling 0.5 million metric tonnes annually in Phase 1, scaling up to 3.2 million tonnes.
Officials say NMIA will mark a turning point in Mumbai’s aviation landscape, driving connectivity, commerce, and growth for the wider region.
Source: The Indian Express
