Navi Mumbai Airport to Begin Domestic Flights in April, Third Airport Proposed Near Vadhvan Port
Navi Mumbai Airport to Begin Domestic Flights in April, Third Airport Proposed Near Vadhvan Port
Mumbai: Domestic flights from the soon-to-be operational Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) are set to commence in April 2025, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar announced on Monday. Additionally, Pawar proposed the development of a third airport for Mumbai near Vadhvan Port in Palghar district to accommodate the growing air traffic demand.
Presenting the Maharashtra Budget, Pawar, who also holds the finance portfolio, stated that 85% of the Navi Mumbai airport’s construction is complete, with successful test flight trials already conducted.
Key Features of Navi Mumbai International Airport
The 1,160-hectare Navi Mumbai International Airport, located in Ulwe, is expected to handle 90 million passengers annually along with 2.6 million tonnes of cargo. “About 85% of the project is complete, and test flights have been conducted successfully. Domestic flight operations will begin in April 2025,” Pawar confirmed.
To improve connectivity, the Mumbai Metro project linking Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) and Navi Mumbai Airport will commence soon, he added.
Infrastructure Developments & Expansion Plans
- New Third Airport for Mumbai: A proposal has been made for a third airport in Mumbai near Vadhvan Port, catering to future air traffic demand.
- Shirdi Airport Upgrade: Night landing facilities will soon be introduced at Shirdi Airport to enhance operational efficiency.
- Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train: The station for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train will be built near Vadhvan Port.
Mumbai Airport Terminal 1 to Undergo Renovation
As part of Mumbai’s expanding aviation infrastructure, Terminal 1 of CSMIA will be shut for renovation later this year. The redevelopment will increase its capacity by 42%, allowing it to handle 20 million passengers annually post-completion in 2029.
According to Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL), the phased renovation project will begin in November 2025, starting with the demolition of the existing structure, followed by the construction of a new terminal. In the interim, passengers will be accommodated at Terminal 2 of Mumbai Airport and Navi Mumbai International Airport.
