The much-anticipated Navi Mumbai International Airport is nearing completion and is set to operate its first commercial passenger flight in September 2025, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed during a visit to the site on Friday. He also announced that the airport will feature the world’s fastest baggage claim system, making it a standout facility on the global aviation map.
"The target that we have given them is of September 30 or a date around it. We have asked Cidco to increase the work force by double or triple numbers but fast track the work. We need to take the date from Prime Minister as well and as per his availability, the date for inauguration would be finalised," Fadnavis said.
"The interiors and external facade work is remaining which needs to be completed fast. The bagage handling system is very efficient. The bagage barcode could be read in 360 degree so that it reaches the right destination. Efforts are being made to make the bagage claim faculty would be the fastest in the world. This would be a green airport with sustainable aviation fuel," Fadnavis added. In the second phase, a underground metro rail would connect with each terminals. He also emphasised that people won't have to walk inside the airport as there would be travelators across the airport.
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis Visits Navi Mumbai Airport Site | FPJ/ Farooq Sayed
Reviewing the construction progress along with Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, the CM stated that 94% of the work is complete, with the remaining 6% to be finished by September.
Senior leaders and officials including Forest Minister Ganesh Naik, former MP Ramsheth Thakur, MLAs Prashant Thakur, Mahesh Baldi, and Manda Mhatre, along with top CIDCO and district officials, were also present during the inspection. The CM and DCM reviewed terminal infrastructure, passenger amenities, and cargo handling systems.
In June 2022, CIDCO granted complete access to 1,160 hectares of land, having spent nearly Rs 2,000 crore on land acquisition and rehabilitation. The Navi Mumbai International Airport Limited (NMIAL) achieved financial closure in March 2022, with the State Bank of India approving Rs 12,770 crore of the Rs 19,647 crore total estimated cost for Phases 1 and 2. NMIAL is contributing Rs 15,981 crore, while CIDCO has allocated Rs 3,665 crore.
Pre-construction work such as land development, diversion of the Ulwe River, and relocation of high-voltage power lines has been completed by CIDCO. As of June 30, the project has achieved 96.5% physical progress, with nearly 13,000 workers currently deployed on-site.
The airport witnessed its first military landing with a C-295 aircraft of the Indian Air Force on October 11, 2024, followed by two low passes by SU-30 jets. On December 29, 2024, IndiGo Airlines' Airbus A320 completed the first successful commercial test landing.
Once operational, the airport’s first two phases will be capable of handling 20 million passengers and 0.8 million metric tonnes of cargo annually.
DCM Shinde said, "Once fully operational, this airport would be at par with the Heathrow airport of London and country's first multi model airport which would be accessible through, road, rail, water and also metro. This is centrally located airport which would be easily accessible for people from Mumbai due to Atal Setu, Pune due to Expressway and also for people from Raigad and Thane. This airport would have the double capacity as that of Mumbai airport."
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