The Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), developed by the Adani Group, is set to open in May 2025. Positioned as a second gateway to Mumbai, India’s financial capital, the $2.1 billion airport aims to ease congestion at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) and establish an international transit hub.
According to news reports, IndiGo will be among the first to move part of its operations to the new airport. Tata Group’s Air India Express, along with SpiceJet and Akasa Air, are also in discussions to relocate their domestic operations in phases.
However, Air India’s full-service carrier will continue to operate from the existing Mumbai airport for now, gradually shifting some domestic flights to NMIA. This shift is expected to ease congestion at CSMIA, which has been operating beyond capacity.
Adani Group manages both CSMIA and NMIA, providing the conglomerate with a unique advantage in negotiating airline transitions. The new airport’s location, ~22 miles southeast of Mumbai, is expected to improve aviation infrastructure in the city.
Authorities also plan to develop an “aero city” around NMIA to generate revenue from non-aviation sources, similar to global hubs in Dubai, London, and Singapore.
One of the biggest hurdles in attracting airlines and passengers is the lack of high-speed transportation links between NMIA and Mumbai’s existing airport. A metro line connecting both airports is planned, but it will take a few years to become operational.
For passengers, ease of accessibility remains a significant concern. Airlines are negotiating incentives on airport fees to keep fares competitive and attract passengers despite potential travel inconveniences.
NMIA’s first phase will feature a lotus-shaped terminal, symbolising India’s national flower. The airport will initially handle 20 million passengers annually, with expansion plans to accommodate up to 90 million passengers over the next decade based on demand.
The airport is expected to start handling domestic flights between April and June 2025, followed by international flights in August 2025. Star Alliance, the world’s largest airline network (which includes Air India), is in discussions to relocate some of its member operations to NMIA.
Preparations for NMIA’s operational launch are well underway. IndiGo conducted the first validation flight in December 2024 with an Airbus A320. Air India is scheduled to conduct a test flight in April 2025 using a wide-body aircraft, primarily used for international routes, to assess the airport’s readiness for overseas operations.
The successful completion and operation of NMIA will be a major milestone for the Adani Group, reinforcing its prominence in India’s infrastructure sector.
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Published on: Mar 6, 2025, 9:10 AM IST
Nikitha Devi
Nikitha is a content creator with 6+ years of experience in the financial domain. Specialising in personal finance, investments, and market insights, Nikitha simplifies complex financial topics, making them accessible to readers.
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