MUMBAI: In a significant milestone for Navi Mumbai International Airport, an Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft successfully landed on the south runway, as announced by the Adani Group on Friday. This inaugural landing of the IAF C-295 marks an important achievement in the development of the greenfield international airport, which began construction in August 2021. The airport is expected to commence operations in early 2025.
“We are proud of the advancements NMIAL has achieved,” expressed Jeet Adani, Director of Adani Airport Holdings Ltd. “As the first greenfield airport under AAHL, NMIAL embodies years of planning, investment, and diligent effort. We appreciate the Government of Maharashtra, regulatory entities such as CIDCO and the Airports Authority of India, and all other parties involved in bringing this project to fruition. This world-class airport will be crucial for the region’s growth, serving as a vital hub for travelers from around the world.”
Attendees at the event included Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Co-operation Murlidhar Mohol, along with senior officials from Navi Mumbai International Airport Ltd. and Adani Airport Holdings Ltd.
The test landing allows engineers, aviation authorities, and airport operators to assess the airport’s key infrastructure performance and readiness. It also showcases NMIAL’s ability to accommodate both civilian and military operations, positioning the airport as a strategic hub for various missions, such as disaster response and emergency landings, according to the statement.
The group indicated that NMIAL is poised to become one of India’s leading aviation centers, catering to both domestic and international travelers. The airport will feature a 3,700-meter runway suitable for large commercial aircraft, modern passenger terminals, and sophisticated air traffic control systems. Terminal 1 alone is expected to manage up to 20 million passengers annually, with a total capacity of 90 million passengers per year upon full completion, enhancing accessibility and economic prospects in the Navi Mumbai area.
NMIAL has been created as a special purpose vehicle for the development, construction, operation, and maintenance of the greenfield international airport project at Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, using a Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) model. It is part of Adani Airports Holdings Limited and is primarily owned by Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) with a 74 percent stake, while City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra Limited (CIDCO) holds a 26 percent stake.
