The inauguration of the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) has been tentatively scheduled for September 30, according to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The decision was taken following an on-site review of construction progress, which was carried out by the Chief Minister alongside Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
The new target date is being aligned with the availability of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, under whose tenure the airport's foundation stone was laid. A directive has been issued to airport developers and officials—including representatives from the Adani Group, the Navi Mumbai Airport Authority, and CIDCO—to significantly expand the existing workforce, currently around 13,000, to meet the ambitious deadline. It was also confirmed by the Chief Minister that all required licenses for the airport’s operations are already in place. Authorities have been asked to begin the final stages of licensing and compliance processes simultaneously with the ongoing construction, to ensure timely readiness for the launch.
Despite initial goals to complete construction by April and begin flight operations in August, delays caused during the previous administration’s tenure were acknowledged. However, the current pace of development was described as satisfactory, with optimism expressed that the September deadline would be met. An update on the project’s status revealed that approximately 94% of the airport’s physical construction has been completed. The runways and terminal structures are already in place, while interior work—such as the installation of systems for baggage handling—is in progress.
Once operational, the NMIA is expected to be larger in scale than the existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai. The facility will feature two runways and operate as a green airport. It has been stated that all vehicles used within the airport premises will either be electric or powered by alternative fuels, underlining the government’s commitment to sustainability. To enhance accessibility, multiple connectivity solutions are being developed. These include a coastal road linked to Atal Setu—slated for completion by March 2026—and a proposed elevated road from Thane. Future integration with suburban rail, metro lines, and water transport services is also planned to ensure seamless travel for passengers. In the project’s second phase, an underground metro line connecting all airport terminals is expected to be introduced.
The construction of Navi Mumbai International Airport was first conceptualised in the late 1990s and officially approved in 2007. However, work on the ground began much later due to environmental clearances and land acquisition hurdles. Recently, the project has also seen confusion over its official name, with political leaders proposing titles such as DB Patil International Airport, leading to occasional public protests.
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