Navi Mumbai – In a significant development for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is likely to be inaugurated on May 15, as per officials familiar with the project. This state-of-the-art airport, a joint venture managed by Navi Mumbai International Airport Limited (NMIAL) under the collaboration of Adani Airport Holdings (AAHL) and the City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra (CIDCO), is expected to significantly alleviate the congestion at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA).
The announcement comes after a detailed on-ground assessment conducted by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Tuesday. The evaluation team, led by Vipin Kumar, Chairman of the Airports Authority of India (AAI), and Prakash Nikam, Regional Director of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), along with officials from AAHL and CIDCO, reviewed the airport’s readiness for commercial operations.
A DGCA official stated, “The preparedness of NMIA was reviewed. The airport authorities have informed us that they will apply for all necessary permits by March 5, which we will process accordingly.”
Overcoming Challenges
The NMIA project had faced some hurdles earlier. During a commercial flight validation test on December 29, 2023, involving an IndiGo A320 aircraft landing on runway 08/26, the DGCA identified certain issues with the airport’s preparedness. However, Tuesday’s inspection revealed that 90% of these concerns have now been effectively addressed, marking a major step forward for the project.
Key Milestones Ahead
The airport operator is set to apply for the crucial aerodrome license on February 28. Once submitted, the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) is expected to be approved by the DGCA by March 5 or 7, with the publication likely before April 30. The AIP, a critical set of documents issued by the DGCA, provides essential information for flight operations, ensuring pilots and operators have all the necessary details to navigate safely within the designated airspace.
A senior official involved in the project said, “Once the AIP is published, NMIA will proceed to apply for the aerodrome license to commence operations from May 15.”
Transforming Mumbai’s Aviation Landscape
The Navi Mumbai International Airport is poised to become a game-changer for the region’s aviation sector. In its initial phase, the airport is expected to handle 10-12 million passengers annually, including approximately 9 million domestic and 3 million international travelers. The airport’s Terminal 2, designed to accommodate 30 million passengers per annum, is scheduled to become operational by the end of 2028.
With its advanced infrastructure and strategic planning, NMIA is set to emerge as a crucial aviation hub, promoting economic growth and significantly reducing the burden on Mumbai’s existing airport. The inauguration of NMIA marks a new era for air travel in the MMR, promising enhanced connectivity and convenience for millions of passengers.
Stay tuned for further updates as the Navi Mumbai International Airport prepares to take flight!
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