Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday officially opened Phase 1 of the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), a major infrastructure project developed at an estimated cost of Rs 19,650 crore.
The greenfield airport occupies 1,160 hectares and is expected to alleviate congestion at Mumbai’s existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.
PM Modi inaugurates Navi Mumbai International Airport
PM Modi conducted a walkthrough of the facility before the ceremonial inauguration. The airport’s operational rollout will begin with domestic flights in the coming weeks, while international services are scheduled to launch by December 2025.
#WATCH | Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra | Prime Minister Narendra Modi felicitated in Navi Mumbai
— ANI (@ANI) October 8, 2025
PM Modi inaugurated Phase 1 of the Navi Mumbai International Airport, built at a cost of around Rs 19,650 crore.
(Source: DD News) pic.twitter.com/jHhqFCbxZL
The airport’s master plan includes four passenger terminals and two parallel runways. Additionally, a VVIP terminal is scheduled for construction beginning in 2026, with completion targeted for 2030.
About the Navi Mumbai International Airport
London-based Zaha Hadid Architects designed the terminal, which features a lotus-inspired architectural concept. The interior will display artistic installations highlighting Maharashtra’s cultural heritage and historical significance.
NMIA incorporates several innovative features, including an Automated People Mover system providing connectivity between all terminals. The facility has been equipped with infrastructure for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) storage and will generate approximately 47 MW through solar power installations. Electric bus services will support ground transportation needs. Notably, NMIA will become India’s first airport accessible via water taxi services.
India’s 1st Fully Digital Airport
Major carriers IndiGo, Air India, and Akasa Air have announced their intention to operate from the new facility. The airport management aims to establish NMIA as India’s first fully digital airport, implementing paperless boarding processes, electronic gates, and a dedicated mobile application providing passengers with real-time flight information.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who called the inauguration a “grand moment” for Maharashtra and Mumbai’s growth, announced that the airport would be named after Dinkar Balu Patil. Patil was an advocate for equitable compensation for individuals displaced during Navi Mumbai’s original development.
The airport represents a significant expansion of India’s aviation infrastructure, positioning the Mumbai metropolitan region to handle increased passenger volumes and compete more effectively as an international aviation hub. The phased development approach allows for operational capacity to grow alongside demand over the coming years.
