The Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) has completed Phase 1 of its infrastructure development, introducing parking capacity for 42 commercial aircraft and 23 stands for private jets and general aviation, addressing a long-standing shortage in Mumbai’s aviation ecosystem. Designed to handle 20 million passengers annually in its initial phase, the project lays the foundation for significant future expansion, with plans to scale up to over 360 commercial aircraft stands, around 89 positions for private aircraft, and a robust cargo handling network.

Among its notable features is what is expected to be India’s largest general aviation tower, equipped with hangars and apron space for corporate and leisure aircraft. The general aviation section will be seamlessly integrated with the broader airside infrastructure to enhance operational efficiency. Notices have already been issued to owners of private aircraft currently parked at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai, instructing them to prepare for relocation to the new NMIA facilities. Arun Bansal, Chief Executive Officer of Adani Airport Holdings, the airport’s developer, stated that the demand for private aircraft parking continues to rise and that forecasts from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) regarding pilot licences support the case for expanded parking infrastructure.

At present, Mumbai Airport’s Terminal 1 has 19 private jet slots, all of which are expected to be shifted to NMIA, which is anticipated to be inaugurated in September. Bansal noted that all hangar operators, except two at the rear, have been issued relocation notices. Phase 1 of commercial aircraft parking at NMIA includes 42 stands, 29 of which are contact gates. A single runway, 3,700 metres in length, is supported by two parallel taxiways to ensure streamlined aircraft movement. Subsequent phases will see stand capacity increased incrementally to 153, then 187, and ultimately more than 360, offering a blend of contact and remote stands for both narrow- and wide-body aircraft.

In addition to passenger and general aviation facilities, the airport will feature an integrated cargo terminal on its eastern side with around 79 dedicated cargo stands. The terminal will include semi-automated material handling systems, cold chain logistics, specialised storage areas for perishables and hazardous materials, and 100 per cent screening for export cargo. Located just 14 kilometres from the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust, the site has been strategically selected to enable seamless multimodal freight movement between sea and air.

The airport’s overall layout has been designed to accommodate parking for all types of aircraft with direct taxiway access to the runway. Passenger terminals will be connected on the airside, enabling smooth flight transfers without the need for passengers to exit and re-enter secure zones. Travelators will help reduce walking distances, while future phases will introduce an Automated People Mover to connect terminals and parking zones more efficiently.

Officials confirmed that NMIA’s phased development approach aligns with the projected surge in air traffic, with passenger numbers in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region expected to rise to 250 million annually by 2050. NMIA is being positioned to handle up to 90 million passengers per year at full capacity, with dedicated provision for general aviation and parallel scaling of commercial and cargo infrastructure.