Navi Mumbai Airport: A Comprehensive Guide to India’s Newest International Airport

September 17, 2025, 19:39 IST

In exciting news for Mumbai fliers, the city is soon to have its second airport – the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) – which is set to open on September 30.

This new airport will work in conjunction with the city’s existing international hub, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), creating a twin-airport system similar to Dubai’s DXB-DWC or New York’s JFK-Newark network.

Location and Construction

The NMIA is located in Ulwe in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) and is built over an area of 1,160 hectares. The project, which started in 1990, is scheduled to be completed in five phases. Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the project in February 2018.

The airport has been developed by a special purpose vehicle, Navi Mumbai International Airport Limited (NMIAL), and the financial closure for the project was achieved in March 2022 with State Bank of India sanctioning Rs 12,770 crore out of the total project cost of Rs 19,647 crore.

Capacity and Features

Once the airport is ready with two runways, it will have the capacity to handle nine crore passengers annually. The master plan of the airport includes expanding to four terminals by 2032, with the capacity to handle up to 90 million passengers per year.

The NMIA and CSMIA together will allow Mumbai to handle approximately 145–150 million passengers annually, making it one of the busiest airports in the world. The airport will also be able to accommodate 2. 5 million tonnes of cargo by 2032, making it a major hub for trade and commerce.

Design and Amenities

The NMIA boasts of a futuristic architectural design, with a lotus-shaped terminal that pays homage to India’s national flower. The terminal is equipped with advanced technology and operational efficiency, making it an iconic structure that is sure to impress travelers.

In terms of amenities, the airport has lounges on multiple levels that provide views of the runways, while dining courts offer a variety of cuisine, including Mumbai street food and international dishes. The retail spaces at the airport feature luxury brands and local outlets, and there is also free Wi-Fi, family lounges, business pods, and digital navigation tools for the convenience of passengers.

Connectivity

The airport is easily accessible via road, metro rail, and suburban railways, and is just 10 minutes away from Panvel. It connects to the Navi Mumbai Metro Line 1 and the Mumbai Metro Line 8, also known as the Gold line. Additionally, the airport will be the starting point of the Mumbai-Hyderabad high-speed rail corridor.

The Mumbai-Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), also known as Atal Setu, Sion-P