Navi Mumbai International Airport Opening September 30, 2025: All You Need to Know

The Navi Mumbai International Airport is set to become one of Maharashtra’s most significant infrastructure projects, poised to transform the aviation and real estate landscape of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Scheduled for inauguration on September 30, 2025, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this airport is expected to surpass the capacity of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), accommodating over 9 crore passengers and handling 0.25 crore tonnes of cargo annually by 2032. The project promises to not only reduce congestion at Mumbai’s existing airport but also spur real estate growth in Navi Mumbai’s rapidly developing nodes.

Location of Navi Mumbai International Airport

The Navi Mumbai International Airport is a greenfield airport strategically located at Ulwe, Navi Mumbai, in the Raigad District. Positioned approximately 18 km from Ulwe and Panvel, it is surrounded by key nodes such as Kharghar, Belapur CBD, and other prominent residential and commercial hubs. Designed to alleviate traffic at the existing CSMIA, the airport will serve as the second operational airport in the MMR, enhancing connectivity and supporting future aviation demand.

Key Facts About Navi Mumbai International Airport

Map and Layout

Spanning 1,160 hectares, the Navi Mumbai International Airport has been designed with a lotus-shaped terminal layout to ensure optimal passenger flow. The airport’s strategic placement provides seamless access to nearby nodes, making it convenient for commuters and business travelers alike. The design integrates green spaces, modern infrastructure, and future-ready facilities to cater to both domestic and international aviation demands.

Project Details and Timeline

The foundation stone for the Navi Mumbai International Airport was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 18, 2018. Initially developed by GVK, the project was later acquired by Adani Airports Holdings Limited in 2021, forming a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) Navi Mumbai International Airport Limited (NMIAL) in partnership with CIDCO.

Structural Details:

• Apron area: 7,20,000 sq.ft.
• Terminal area: 1,80,000 sq.ft.
• Parking capacity: 10 Code C aircraft
• Runways: Two, each measuring 3,700 × 60 m

This design ensures both operational efficiency and long-term scalability for growing passenger and cargo traffic.

Features of Navi Mumbai International Airport

The airport’s architecture, crafted by Zaha Hadid Architects, features three interconnected lotus-shaped terminals. Key features include:

• Passenger Amenities: Lounges, food courts, travelators.
• Ultra-fast Baggage Handling System: 360-degree barcode scanning for efficiency and accuracy.
• Automated Passenger Movement: 10 km on both city-side and air-side.
• Eco-friendly Infrastructure: Solar energy generation and electric vehicle operations.
• Future-ready Facilities: City-based luggage check-in to ensure seamless airport transfers.

How to Reach Navi Mumbai International Airport

The airport has been designed with multi-modal connectivity in line with the Gati Shakti Yojana, ensuring smooth access via road, rail, metro, and water transport.

By Road:

• NH 4B, Sion-Panvel Highway, Mumbai Trans Harbour Link
• Elevated corridor linking Thane to NMIA

By Rail:

• Panvel Harbour Line and Targhar Railway Station
• Potential high-speed rail (Mumbai-Hyderabad bullet train) link

By Metro:

• Mumbai Metro Gold Line (Line 8) connecting CSMIA to NMIA
• 8 stations over 30 minutes travel time

By Water:

• Future hovercraft and water taxi connectivity supported by Kochi Water Metro technology

This comprehensive network ensures convenient access for both local and international travelers.

Operations at Navi Mumbai International Airport

• Airport Code: NMI (CSMIA: BOM)
• User Development Fee (UDF): Domestic Rs 620, International Rs 1,225, arriving passengers: Domestic – Rs 270, International – Rs 525
• Operational Hours: Initial 12-hour operations (8 AM – 8 PM), gradually transitioning to 24-hour operations
• Airlines: Indigo, Akasa Air, Air India (domestic), International operations expected from May 2026
• Air Traffic Movement: Initially 8–10 per hour, increasing to 30 per hour by April 2026

Estimated Project Cost

The Navi Mumbai International Airport project is estimated at ₹17,000 crore, with Adani Airports holding 74% stake and CIDCO holding 26%. The SPV, NMIAL, oversees all development, ensuring coordinated execution across multiple phases.

Problem Areas Near NMIA

Certain areas near the airport, especially Ulwe (~3 km from runway), have been flagged for illegal meat shops. Such establishments attract birds, posing risks of bird strikes, which have been implicated in past aviation accidents. The DGCA has issued warnings to mitigate these hazards ahead of the airport’s operations.

Project Implementation Stages

The airport is being constructed in five phases:

• Phases 1 & 2: One runway, one terminal, capacity of 2 crore passengers
• Phases 3–5: Second runway, four terminals, increased capacity of 9 crore passengers

L&T Construction handles Terminal 1, including runway, apron, taxiway, airfield lighting, and supporting infrastructure such as parking facilities.

Pre-development of Phase 2

• Scheduled from October 2025
• Construction of a second terminal and an additional runway
• Designed to accommodate 30–35 million passengers annually
• Design decisions based on architectural competition outcomes

VVIP Terminal

• Part of Phase 3 (2025–2030)
• Dedicated for celebrities, politicians, and general aviation
• Unique feature: No similar facility exists at CSMIA

Real Estate Impact

With the Navi Mumbai International Airport, the region is witnessing:

• Increased residential and commercial property demand (Ulwe, Panvel, nearby nodes)
• Enhanced infrastructure growth: Metro, Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, harbour railway expansion
• Developer interest: Godrej, Adani Realty, L&T Realty, Wadhwa, Hiranandani, Kalpataru, Raheja

Property prices have surged as accessibility and connectivity improve, marking the area as a lucrative investment hub.

Navi Mumbai Aerocity

• 667-acre Aerocity under CIDCO development near NMIA
• Mixed-use development: residential, commercial, retail spaces
• Integration with MTHL, Metro, and harbour railway networks
• Among India’s emerging Aerocities alongside Ayodhya, Delhi, Devanahalli, and Hyderabad

Housing and Investment Perspective

The Navi Mumbai International Airport is expected to accelerate investment and lifestyle opportunities, particularly in:

• Hospitality
• Commercial real estate
• Residential development

Plans for a “Third Mumbai” further signal a long-term appreciation trajectory for properties near the airport.

Conclusion

The Navi Mumbai International Airport is set to redefine air travel and infrastructure in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. With its September 30, 2025 inauguration, eco-friendly design, advanced technology, and comprehensive connectivity, the airport promises a seamless passenger experience while boosting real estate and investment potential in Navi Mumbai. Phased development ensures long-term scalability, making NMIA a transformative project for Maharashtra’s growth and urban planning.