Navi Mumbai International Airport Moves Closer to Completion with Successful First Flight Validation Test
Navi Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 29: The Navi Mumbai airport has taken a key step toward becoming operational with the successful completion of its first commercial flight validation test. The historic event, which took place on the newly constructed runway 08/26, saw an A320 aircraft from Indigo Airlines making a smooth landing, marking a significant achievement in the airport’s progress.
The milestone was celebrated with the traditional water salute from fire tenders, welcoming the aircraft. Senior officials from several aviation and regulatory bodies, including the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Airports Authority of India (AAI), Customs, Immigration, CISF, CIDCO, IMD, BCAS, and Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL), were present to witness the event.
Arun Bansal, CEO of Adani Airport Holdings Limited, expressed his excitement about the achievement, saying, “This is a momentous day for Navi Mumbai International Airport. The successful completion of the validation flight is a major milestone, and we are now one step closer to operationalising the airport. We have prioritized safety at every step. NMIA will provide world-class aviation facilities while also contributing to the region’s overall development.”
The validation flight was a critical part of the process, involving technical assessments as well as landing and take-off maneuvers. This data will be crucial for the DGCA to approve and validate, paving the way for the airport to obtain the necessary aerodrome license for operations. Following the successful flight, the airport’s flight procedures will be made available internationally through the Electronic Aeronautical Information Publication (eAIP).
In preparation for this important event, NMIA had previously conducted flight calibrations for the Instrument Landing System (ILS) and Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) and developed the required instrument approach procedures to ensure readiness.
Vijay Singhal, Managing Director of the City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra Ltd (CIDCO), also shared updates on the airport’s development. “Two months ago, we successfully landed a defense aircraft, the C-133, here. This confirms that our runway is complete, and around 80 percent of the terminal building is also constructed. Additionally, we have submitted a proposal for a metro line connecting Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and Navi Mumbai International Airport. This will improve connectivity for people traveling from South and Western Mumbai, the NMR region, Pune, and other nearby areas.”
Singhal also mentioned that the airport will feature four terminals and two runways, with an initial capacity to handle 90 million passengers annually. In the first phase, one terminal will be operational with a capacity of 20 million passengers per year and 0.8 million metric tonnes of cargo capacity. The initial operations will see 180 flights, with 90 arrivals and 90 departures.
Earlier, on October 11, 2024, the airport saw the inaugural landing of the Indian Air Force’s C-295, a large multi-role tactical airlifter, marking another significant achievement for the greenfield project, which is expected to be fully operational by early 2025.
The Navi Mumbai airport is being developed in phases. Once completed, it will have the capacity to manage over 90 million passengers annually. The initial phase will have a capacity of 20 million passengers per year and 800,000 tons of cargo capacity.
The airport will feature a 3,700-meter runway that can accommodate large commercial aircraft, modern terminals, and advanced air traffic control systems.
Adani Group’s entry into the civil aviation sector reflects its vision to leverage its extensive experience in building world-class infrastructure. Adani Airport Holdings Limited, a 100 percent subsidiary of Adani Enterprises Ltd, was established in 2019 and has since made significant strides, securing the operation, management, and development rights for six airports across India, including Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Mangaluru, Jaipur, Guwahati, and Thiruvananthapuram.
