In a landmark achievement for Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA; Airport Code: NMI), an Indian Air Force (IAF) C-295 aircraft successfully landed on its south runway, marking the first-ever aircraft to touch down on the newly constructed greenfield airport. This momentous event represents a significant milestone in the Adani Group’s development of NMIA, a project that began in August 2021 amidst the challenges of the pandemic. The airport is set to be fully operational by early 2025.
“We are incredibly proud of the progress NMIAL has made,” said Mr. Jeet Adani, Director of Adani Airport Holdings Ltd. “As AAHL’s first greenfield airport, NMIAL is the culmination of years of meticulous planning, investment, and hard work. We are deeply thankful to the Government of Maharashtra, regulatory bodies like CIDCO and the Airports Authority of India, and all stakeholders who have come together to bring this vision to life. This world-class airport will be instrumental in driving the region’s growth, becoming a vital hub for travelers around the globe.”
The historic event was attended by high-profile dignitaries, including Maharashtra Chief Minister Mr. Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Devendra Fadnavis, and Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Cooperation Mr. Murlidhar Mohol, along with senior officials from Navi Mumbai International Airport Ltd and Adani Airport Holdings Ltd.
The successful landing of the IAF C-295 is more than symbolic—it is a critical phase in the airport’s journey toward operational readiness. The landing marks a key point where newly developed infrastructure, including the runway, taxiways, air traffic control systems, and handling procedures, are tested for compliance with safety, regulatory, and operational standards.
This milestone enables engineers, aviation authorities, and airport operators to assess the airport’s performance and readiness, confirming that NMIA is on track to complete its final phases of development. With commercial operations set to begin in early 2025, the airport is poised to become a significant aviation hub.
NMIA’s strategic location positions it as one of India’s future aviation powerhouses, serving as a gateway to both Maharashtra and Western India. It will cater to both domestic and international passengers with cutting-edge facilities, including a 3,700-metre runway capable of accommodating large commercial aircraft, modern passenger terminals, and advanced air traffic control systems. Terminal 1 is expected to handle up to 20 million passengers annually (MPPA).
The completion of the NMIA project is set to provide a major economic boost to the Navi Mumbai region, enhancing accessibility and unlocking new commercial opportunities. In its initial phase, the airport will have the capacity to handle 90 million passengers annually (MPPA) and manage 800,000 tons of cargo.
