Navi Mumbai International Airport Inaugurated by PM Modi: Top Things to Know

PM Modi inaugurated Navi Mumbai International Airport, Asia’s upcoming largest hub, set to transform Mumbai’s travel, cargo, and economic connectivity.

Mumbai | October 8, 2025 | The Interview Times  – Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday inaugurated the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), India’s largest greenfield airport project, developed under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model by the Adani Group. The airport is set to open for domestic and international commercial flights in December 2025.

Must Read: Biometric Authentication 2025: UPI Payments with Face or Fingerprint, No PIN Needed

PM Modi Hails NMIA as a Glimpse of ‘Viksit Bharat’

During the inauguration, PM Modi described the airport as a “glimpse of Viksit Bharat,” emphasizing its role in boosting connectivity, trade, and economic growth. He noted that the new airport would link farmers in Maharashtra to markets in the Middle East and Europe, while attracting investment and businesses to the region.

“Now Mumbai has a new airport (NMIA), which will be Asia’s largest connectivity hub. Launching an underground metro alongside such infrastructure is a big achievement,” PM Modi said.

He also highlighted India’s growing aviation network: “In 2014, India had 74 airports; now we have over 160. Our target is to make India the global aviation Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) hub by the end of this decade.”

Key Highlights of Navi Mumbai International Airport

• Investment and Scale: The first phase of NMIA was constructed at a cost of Rs 19,650 crore, covering 1,160 hectares.
• Passenger and Cargo Capacity: Upon completion, the airport will handle 90 million passengers per year and 3.25 million metric tonnes of cargo, establishing itself among the world’s major airports.
• Initial Operations: The first phase features one runway and a single terminal, designed for 20 million passengers annually and 20–22 flights per hour, with planned expansion next year.
• Advanced Infrastructure:
  • Automated People Mover (APM) systems linking all terminals and city infrastructure
  • Dedicated storage for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
  • 5G networks, IoT sensors, automated luggage systems, and Digi Yatra contactless processing
• Terminal Facilities:
  • 66 check-in counters, 22 self-service baggage drop points
  • 29 passenger boarding bridges, 10 bus boarding gates
  • Sections for express deliveries, high-value items, hazardous goods, and animal transportation
• Cargo Operations: Fully automated, with digital consignment tracking, climate-controlled sections for medicines and perishables, and seamless digital transactions.

The inauguration of Phase 1 of Navi Mumbai International Airport and other connectivity projects will strengthen the city's position as a global hub of growth and opportunity. https://t.co/lYUzp3noBX

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 8, 2025

Economic and Connectivity Impact

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) confirmed that Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) would ease regional capacity constraints, improve connectivity, and provide substantial economic and social benefits for India. With the airport operational, Mumbai joins the ranks of global cities with multiple airports, reducing congestion at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA).

Must Read: Schengen Biometric Entry Exit System Goes Live Oct 12, 2025 – Here’s How It Changes Your Travel

Conclusion

The inauguration of Navi Mumbai International Airport marks a transformative step in India’s aviation infrastructure. Combining cutting-edge technology, advanced cargo facilities, and passenger-friendly operations, NMIA is poised to strengthen Mumbai’s position as a global aviation and trade hub.