Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) has received its aerodrome licence from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), clearing the runway for its long-awaited launch.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis recently announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the airport during his visit on October 8-9. Commercial operations are expected to commence a few weeks later, following mandatory security clearances.
“This achievement represents a key step in Navi Mumbai International Airport’s progress towards becoming fully operational. With the aerodrome licence now in place, NMIA moves closer to its vision of enhancing regional and international connectivity and establishing a modern gateway that will link Navi Mumbai with the rest of the world,” the airport said in a statement.
Airlines have already lined up operations from the new hub. IndiGo plans to launch 18 daily departures to 15 cities from day one. Akasa Air has announced over 100 flights per week, while Air India Express will operate 40 daily flights (two-way) to 15 destinations during the initial phase.
The launch of NMIA is expected to significantly ease congestion at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and boost regional air connectivity.