Navi Mumbai: In a major step towards the completion of the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), the Navi Mumbai International Airport Limited (NMIAL) informed the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) that all airside construction has been successfully completed.
The update comes after a review meeting was held on Friday, April 18, chaired by CIDCO Vice Chairman and Managing Director Vijay Singhal, to assess the airport’s readiness ahead of its scheduled inauguration.
Clearances Progressing, Airlines Seek Slots
With the airside portion now completed, which includes the runway, taxiways, and other critical aviation infrastructure, the focus has shifted to acquiring key regulatory approvals. These include the Aerodrome License from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and a security clearance from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS). Both processes are reportedly proceeding smoothly, with no foreseeable roadblocks.
Senior officials from CIDCO, the Adani Group, Larsen & Toubro (L&T), and NMIAL participated in the high-level meeting. “CIDCO, being the planning authority in charge of the greenfield project, is carefully following the progress to meet the deadlines. Singhal underlined the fact that all departments are acting in synergy to achieve deadlines and not have delays prior to the scheduled inauguration,” a CIDCO official told The Indian Express.
In parallel, several airlines have already applied for landing and take-off slots at NMIA, with DGCA currently reviewing and finalising the allocations.
Connectivity, Terminal Readiness Take Center Stage
With core airside work now completed, attention has turned to terminal construction, road access, and the crucial Operation Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) testing phase to ensure smooth functioning upon launch. CIDCO is also coordinating with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and other agencies to fast-track approach road connectivity to the airport.
Designed to accommodate 20 million passengers annually in its first phase and eventually scale to 90 million passengers and 3.2 million tonnes of cargo, NMIA is set to be a major aviation hub. Spread across 1,160 hectares, the airport will include a Code F-compliant runway, passenger terminal, freight handling facilities, and sustainable infrastructure such as rainwater harvesting and solar energy systems.
Officials will continue to hold bi-weekly reviews to ensure the project remains on track. Once operational, NMIA is expected to significantly ease congestion at Mumbai’s existing airport.
