In a major milestone for Navi Mumbai International Airport Ltd (NMIAL), an Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft successfully landed on the airport’s southern runway on Friday. The inaugural landing of the IAF C-295, a large multi-role tactical airlifter, marks significant progress in the Adani Group’s development of this greenfield international airport.
On the milestone, Adani Airport Holdings Ltd (AAHL) Director Jeet Adani said, “We are proud of the progress NMIAL has made. As AAHL’s first greenfield airport, NMIAL represents years of planning, investment and hard work. We are grateful to the Government of Maharashtra, the regulatory bodies including CIDCO and Airports Authority of India, and all the other stakeholders who have come together to make this project possible. This world-class airport will play a pivotal role in the region’s growth, serving as a crucial hub for travellers across the globe.”
The airport’s construction began in August 2021 during the pandemic, and the airport is set to be fully operational by early 2025.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde attended the event, along with Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, the Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Co-operation Murlidhar Mohol, and senior officials from NMIAL and AAHL.
The successful landing of the IAF C-295 signifies an important phase, with the newly constructed runway, taxiways, air traffic control systems, and handling procedures being rigorously tested to ensure the airport meets stringent safety, regulatory, and operational standards.
This phase allows engineers, aviation authorities, and airport operators to assess the performance and readiness of essential infrastructure, indicating that the airport is on track to complete its final development stages, with phased commercial operations scheduled to commence in early 2025.
Furthermore, the landing showcases NMIAL’s ability, preparedness, and readiness for collaborative operations between civilian and military authorities for various potential missions, such as disaster response and emergency landings.
NMIAL’s strategic position places it among India’s future key aviation hubs, acting as a gateway to both Maharashtra and Western India. The airport is designed to cater to both domestic and international passengers, and it will feature advanced facilities, including a 3,700-metre runway suitable for large commercial aircraft, modern passenger terminals, and advanced air traffic control systems.
Terminal 1 is expected to accommodate up to 20 million passengers per annum (MPPA).
Once completed, NMIAL will significantly boost the local economy, enhancing accessibility and creating new commercial opportunities in the Navi Mumbai region. The airport will ultimately have the capacity to handle up to 90 MPPA and 800,000 tonnes of cargo in its initial phase.
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