IAF aircraft to test Navi Mumbai airport runway this Friday
IAF aircraft to test Navi Mumbai airport runway this Friday
Navi Mumbai International Airport is set to host its first runway test on Friday with Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft taking off from the new airport.
CIDCO chairman Sanjay Shirsat confirmed that the trial run, featuring Sukhoi fighter jets, will occur between 3 pm and 4 pm in the presence of Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis. The trial, initially scheduled for October 5, was postponed.
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— The Indian Aviation Guy 🇮🇳 (@TIAG747) October 9, 2024
An IAF Aircraft (probably a Sukhoi) will perform landing and takeoff at Navi Mumbai Airport (NMI) tomorrow, as part of Runway testing.
The testing is expected to take place between 3PM and 4PM, in the presence of @mieknathshinde and @Dev_Fadnavis. pic.twitter.com/6cXvye3D3f
Developed by Adani Airports in partnership with CIDCO under a public-private model, the airport is expected to commence domestic operations by March 2025 and international flights by June 2025. The airport will feature four terminals, two parallel runways, and parking space for 350 flights. It is projected to handle 90 million passengers annually, easing the burden on Mumbai’s existing airport. The project cost is estimated at Rs 16,700 crore.
In a related event, CM Shinde will perform the bhumipujan of the long-awaited Maharashtra Bhavan near Vashi station.
The project, which has faced delays, is set to be built on 8,000 square meters of land at a cost of Rs 121 crore.
Additionally, CM Shinde will inaugurate the fully completed 18-hole golf course at Kharghar, upgraded from a nine-hole facility to international standards. The golf course will be open to the public soon.
Observers suggest that with assembly elections nearing and the model code of conduct expected soon, the state government is pushing to launch key projects before election restrictions take effect.
