Navi Mumbai International Airport Inauguration: What Makes Mumbai’s Second International Airport Special? Top Stunning Facts & Photos You Shouldn’t Miss

Navi Mumbai International Airport inauguration: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the Navi Mumbai International Airport today - Mumbai’s second international airport! The first phase of the Navi Mumbai International Airport or NMIA, with a single terminal building will begin operations later this year. The new greenfield airport is a huge infrastructure aviation boost for Mumbai, positioning it as a global multi-airport destination. What’s special about the Navi Mumbai International Airport and what are its top passenger-friendly features? We take a look at some stunning facts and photos of the new Navi Mumbai International Airport:

The Navi Mumbai International Airport will open for commercial flights from December, 2025. It will offer both domestic and international flight services from its first day. Airlines like IndiGo and Akasa Air have already announced their plans.

Navi Mumbai International Airport phase 1 will commence operations with one runway and a single terminal building, with the capability to accommodate 20 million passengers annually.

The facility will support 20–22 flight operations hourly, with plans for increased capacity in the subsequent year. Terminal 1 is projected to reach full capacity within 12–15 months after inauguration.

The Navi Mumbai International Airport’s architecture is inspired from the ‘Lotus’ theme. The design includes 12 sculptural columns that resemble unfurling lotus petals and 17 mega columns that support the lotus-shaped roof.

The Navi Mumbai International Airport design incorporates modern passenger facilities aimed at ensuring efficient transit, whilst integrating with current and future transport networks, including metro systems, roadways and public transport infrastructure.

Navi Mumbai International Airport’s Terminal 1 will have 66 check-in counters, 29 aerobridges, 22 self-baggage drop counters and 10 bus boarding gates. The new airport will feature India's largest aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities, positioning itself as a significant cargo transportation centre.

The Navi Mumbai International Airport is located in Ulwe, Navi Mumbai—around 37 km from South Mumbai. NMIA's launch will establish Mumbai as India's first urban centre to provide commercial aviation services through dual airports.

The Navi Mumbai International Airport, constructed at a cost of Rs 19,650 crore, stands as India's largest greenfield airport! The airport has been built by the Adani Group on the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

The Navi Mumbai International Airport spans 1,160 hectares. It will eventually accommodate 90 million passengers yearly, alongside 3.25 million metric tonnes of cargo, positioning it amongst the world's leading airports.

The Navi Mumbai International Airport will operate in conjunction with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA). The aim is to decrease congestion and position Mumbai amongst prominent global cities with multiple airports.

Navi Mumbai International Airport's cargo terminal will be fully automated. It will have features such as digital tracking, paperless and cashless operations, and temperature-controlled zones for pharmaceuticals and perishables. The airport will have a cargo capacity of 0.5 million metric tonnes annually to begin with, which will expand to 3.2 million metric tonnes in later phases.

The new Navi Mumbai International Airport infrastructure will incorporate exclusive facilities for storing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), whilst maintaining solar installations capable of generating 47 MW of power. Additionally, electric bus services will ensure seamless connectivity throughout the city. Notably, this aerodrome will pioneer water taxi services in India, showcasing its commitment to sustainable and efficient transportation solutions for both passengers and cargo.

Once the Navi Mumbai International Airport is fully ready, an automated people mover (APM) system will facilitate connections between four passenger terminals, whilst a separate landside APM will link city infrastructure.