The Mumbai Metropolitan Region is on the cusp of a significant transformation in air travel as the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) prepares to commence operations. Domestic flights are scheduled to take off by the end of May 2025, with international services expected to follow in July. This development aims to alleviate the heavy congestion currently experienced at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA).
Strategic Timeline and Operational Readiness
The formal inauguration of NMIA is planned for April 17, 2025. Following this, domestic flight operations are set to begin in the latter half of May. By the end of October, approximately 150 flight slots will be transitioned from CSMIA to NMIA. This strategic move is expected to significantly reduce air traffic congestion at Mumbai’s primary airport.
Airlines’ Transition and Passenger Impact
Indian carriers operating from Mumbai’s terminals 1 and 2 will reassign a portion of their flights to NMIA starting with the winter schedule, which spans from late October to March 2026. Airlines will determine which specific flights to relocate during their winter schedule planning. The new airport anticipates an organic growth in passenger traffic, with projections of accommodating 2 to 3 million travelers in its initial months.
Regulatory Approvals and Infrastructure Developments
NMIA is in the final stages of obtaining the mandatory Aerodrome License, with the Aeronautical Information Publication expected to be released on February 6, 2025. These approvals are crucial for the airport’s operational readiness. Additionally, NMIA authorities have proposed to the state government a reduction in the Value Added Tax (VAT) on Aviation Turbine Fuel from 18% to 1%, aiming to make operations more cost-effective.
Passenger Choices and Future Outlook
With the relocation of 150 flights, approximately 10 million passengers—accounting for one-fifth of Mumbai’s total air travelers—will have the option to choose NMIA for their journeys. In the coming months, online air ticket booking platforms will feature a dropdown menu offering two choices: ‘BOM’ for the existing CSMIA and ‘NMI’ for the new Navi Mumbai International Airport.
Infrastructure and Capacity
Upon commencement, NMIA will feature a single 3.7 km runway and a full-length dual parallel taxiway. The airport is designed as an integrated domestic and international facility, equipped with swing gates to allow aircraft to operate both types of flights from the same gate. The initial phase includes a 2 lakh square meter terminal with a capacity to handle 20 million passengers annually, double the original plan.