Navi Mumbai: The Navi Mumbai International Airport Ltd (NMIAL) has applied for an aerodrome license to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), marking a crucial step towards the airport’s scheduled commencement of operations on May 15, 2025.
An aerodrome license is a mandatory requirement ensuring that the facility meets aviation safety and operational standards before it can host commercial flights. It verifies that infrastructure, procedures, and regulatory compliance are in place to guarantee safe aircraft operations and passenger security.
Sources from NMIAL confirmed the submission of the application but refrained from specifying the expected timeframe for approval. However, government officials assured that the airport remains on track to receive certification ahead of its scheduled launch.
A recent inspection by DGCA and Airports Authority of India (AAI) officials highlighted significant progress in infrastructure development, including the Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower, baggage handling, and passenger screening systems. Authorities have, however, urged an accelerated focus on improving terminal accessibility to ensure seamless passenger movement.
Jointly developed by Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL) and the City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra (CIDCO) in a 74:26 partnership, NMIA is expected to play a pivotal role in easing congestion at the overburdened Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA).
Initially, the airport will handle 12 million passengers annually, with long-term expansion plans set to accommodate up to 90 million passengers per year across two runways and four terminals.
Airlines are actively preparing for operations at NMIA, with Tata Group’s Air India slated to conduct test flights in April 2025. IndiGo Airlines, which previously performed a validation flight using an Airbus A320 in December, is expected to lead the transition.
Other low-cost carriers, including Air India Express, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air, are in discussions for a full-scale operational shift. While Air India’s full-service international operations will remain at CSMIA, its domestic flights are set to progressively move to Navi Mumbai.
The airport’s opening is timely, as Mumbai International Airport’s Terminal 1 is scheduled for closure in October 2025 for redevelopment. Authorities are coordinating with airlines to finalize transition plans and flight schedules.
As one of India’s largest greenfield international airports, NMIA is designed to handle 90 million passengers and 2.5 million tonnes of cargo annually. It will function as the second international airport in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), operating alongside CSMIA as part of an urban dual-airport system and serving as a crucial gateway for international and domestic travel.
