From runway to terminal: Exclusive first glimpse of Navi Mumbai international airport

The Navi Mumbai International Airport is set to begin operations on December 25, opening one runway and one terminal. This marks the start of a major new aviation hub for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, aiming to reduce congestion at the existing Mumbai airport and handle increasing passenger traffic.

Cidco has launched a techno-commercial feasibility study to explore the addition of a third parallel runway at NMIA. The study will assess runway separation, land needs, and operational viability, ensuring the airport can support the region’s long-term growth and evolving air traffic demands in the coming decades.

The airport is part of a broader strategy to develop Maharashtra’s infrastructure and economy. By connecting the region to global markets, reducing logistics costs, and enabling industrial growth, NMIA acts as a launchpad for long-term regional development, supporting ambitions to contribute significantly to the national GDP.

NMIA represents India’s first dual-airport ecosystem, designed to address decades of congestion. It aims to be a long-term infrastructure solution, supporting growing passenger demand while fostering trade, logistics, and tourism, and contributing significantly to regional economic development and employment.

NMIA will operate 48 flights over 12 hours, with four arrivals in the first 15 minutes. By February, the airport will run 24/7 with up to 90 flights daily. The new operations aim to supplement, rather than replace, the existing Mumbai airport services.

The airport will serve passengers from Pune, Western Maharashtra, Satara, and Kolhapur. Improved connectivity via expressways and rail links will reduce travel time and logistics costs, helping industries in these regions access global markets directly and integrate more efficiently into supply chains.

Terminal 1 of NMIA features Maharashtra-themed art installations, including immersive 3D Warli art displays. The airport aims to blend functionality with cultural representation, providing travelers with a unique experience of regional heritage while serving as a modern gateway for domestic and international passengers.

A new rail link to NMIA has been established, with stops at stations near the airport. This ensures easy access for passengers from surrounding areas and supports integration with existing public transport networks, improving the airport’s reach across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

The airport is expected to create thousands of jobs and stimulate economic growth across the region. It will enhance property values, generate trade opportunities, and provide a direct export corridor, helping the wider region integrate more effectively into global supply chains and logistics networks.

The master plan for NMIA includes four terminals and two parallel runways. When fully operational by 2037, the airport will handle 90 million passengers annually. Combined with the existing Mumbai airport, the region’s total air passenger capacity will reach 140-150 million per year, easing congestion and supporting economic growth.