The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (AERA) has expanded landing-charge incentives for airlines launching international services from Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), in a move aimed at accelerating international connectivity from the new airport.
In an order dated September 8, AERA approved a modification to Navi Mumbai International Airport Ltd’s (NMIAL) Variable Tariff Plan (VTP). The key change is the eligibility criterion for the incentive, which has been revised from a “New Route in MMR Region” to a “New Route from NMI”.
Under the earlier framework, airlines could not claim the incentive if a particular international destination was already served from Mumbai’s existing airport. The revised policy allows airlines to qualify even when the same destination is already connected to Mumbai, provided the route is new from Navi Mumbai.
Under the revised VTP, airlines introducing new international passenger routes from NMIA will receive a 100% waiver on landing charges in the first year.
For short-haul international routes covering up to 5,000 km, the incentive will continue with a 50% discount in the second year. Long-haul routes exceeding 5,000 km will receive a 50% discount in the second year and a further 25% discount in the third year.
Additional international frequencies will also receive incentives, with landing-charge discounts of up to 75%. International cargo operators will receive a 90% discount in the first year and 50% in the second year.
NMIAL had told AERA that airlines remained cautious about launching international operations from NMIA despite the existing incentives. High fuel prices, geopolitical tensions, airspace restrictions, insurance costs and uncertain demand have increased the risks associated with deploying capacity at a new airport.
AERA said the revised incentive structure should help improve utilisation of NMIA’s international terminal and airside infrastructure while encouraging airlines to establish and maintain new international services.
NMIA was inaugurated in October 2025 and began commercial operations in December. International operations commenced in July 2026 with an Air India Express service to Abu Dhabi.
The airport is being developed through a partnership involving Adani Airport Holdings and CIDCO and is planned to eventually handle up to 90 million passengers annually. The revised VTP is expected to give airlines a lower-cost opportunity to expand international connectivity as NMIA builds its network.
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