Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Saturday (july 12) that the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is approximately 94% complete, with commercial operations slated to commence by September 30. This was revealed during his inspection of the project, accompanied by Deputy CM Eknath Shinde and Forest Minister Ganesh Naik.Addressing reporters, Fadnavis said, “We saw a detailed presentation on the work’s advancement — from the runway to the terminal building. Approximately 94% of the physical progress is complete.” With the runway fully operational and interior work on terminals well under way, only the outer façade and roofing require speedy completion.
Inspecting the advanced baggage-handling system, he emphasised its international ambitions, stating: “We have asked the authorities that the baggage claim system in this airport should be the fastest not only in the country but in the entire world.”
Once both runways are functional, the airport will have the capacity to handle up to 9 crore passengers annually, surpassing Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.Also read | Flyers at soon-to-be operational Navi Mumbai airport to pay up to ₹1,225 as user development feeFadnavis revealed that 13,000–14,000 workers are currently employed on-site, with authorities instructed to increase manpower by 1.5–2 times by the target deadline. He added that all operational licences are being obtained simultaneously with construction to ensure readiness by September 30, pending approval from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.Built by Navi Mumbai International Airport Limited (NMIAL) —a 74:26 joint venture between Adani Airport Holdings Ltd and CIDCO — the airport was initiated in February 2018 at an estimated cost of ₹16,700 crore, aiming to alleviate congestion at Mumbai’s existing airport and meet growing air travel demand.Fadnavis detailed the airport’s eco-friendly features, stating, “It is a green airport with 37 MW of green power being used. All vehicles will either be electric or run on alternative fuel and sustainable aviation fuel.” He outlined extensive connectivity plans, including links to the Atal Setu, Coastal Road by March next year, and direct elevated roads from Thane.Also read | Navi Mumbai Airport: DGCA directs action against bird-attracting activities like animal slaughterEnsuring all‑mode transport access, from suburban rail and metro to water transport, Fadnavis highlighted the convenience of off-site baggage check-ins in several cities, which improve passenger experience. He promised an inter-terminal transit system akin to an underground metro, with bays within 500 metres, travelators for passengers, and no requirement to walk between terminals.
