September 8, 2025: After years of delays and shifting deadlines, Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is finally preparing to open its doors. The first phase of operations is scheduled to be inaugurated on September 30, with the Prime Minister expected to attend the ceremony.
According to the Airports Authority of India (AAI), the new runway will remain closed only until September 20, as per the latest Notice to Airmen (NOTAM). Once the closure period ends, operational checks will be carried out before the official launch.
The project has faced repeated delays over the past decade. Earlier this year, the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) listed mid-May as the starting date, which was later shifted to August 7, then September 3. The latest NOTAM, indicating September 20 as the final closure, has renewed confidence in the September 30 opening.
Aviation officials have confirmed that domestic flights will begin operating from NMIA by late October or early November. Initially, only a limited number of flights will be introduced, with gradual scaling up planned as facilities undergo further testing.
NOTAMs, which inform pilots about operational conditions, have played a vital role in tracking the airport’s readiness. Until now, they indicated the runway was not available for regular or emergency use. The shorter closure window this month signals that the airport is prepared for operations.
On-site preparations are in full swing, with final touches being made to welcome dignitaries for the inauguration. The launch of NMIA marks a major milestone for Mumbai’s aviation network, offering crucial relief to the heavily congested Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and promising smoother air travel for millions of passengers.
Source: Times Property
