Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Saturday that around 94 per cent of the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) project is complete, with a target of launching commercial operations by 30 September 2025.

Describing it as the most modern and fully-equipped airport in India, Fadnavis stated that authorities have been instructed to ensure the fastest baggage claim system in the world. During an inspection at the NMIA site, accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Forest Minister Ganesh Naik, Fadnavis reviewed progress and confirmed that runway works are complete and interior works at the terminal building are underway.

While the exterior façade and ceiling require accelerated work, other construction activities are progressing rapidly. The CM highlighted the airport’s state-of-the-art baggage-handling system with 360-degree barcode scanning to minimise errors and enhance efficiency. He directed officials to aim for the fastest baggage claim system globally.

Once operational, NMIA will have two runways and an annual capacity of 90 million passengers. Fadnavis added that the airport will be significantly larger than the existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai.

The launch timeline depends on the Prime Minister’s availability, but the target is to complete all commercial licensing and physical work by 30 September. Currently, 13,000 to 14,000 workers are on site daily, and their numbers are set to increase to meet the deadline.

The airport is being developed by Navi Mumbai International Airport Limited (NMIAL), a special purpose vehicle in which Adani Airport Holdings Ltd holds a 74 per cent stake and the City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra (CIDCO) holds 26 per cent. The project is being built at a total investment of Rs 167 billion.

Foundation for the airport was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February 2018. NMIA is also designed as a green airport, using 37 MW of renewable energy, with only electric or alternative fuel vehicles permitted within the premises. Large-scale deployment of sustainable aviation fuel is also planned.

Connectivity is a key component of the project, with integration planned through roads, metro, suburban rail, and water transport. The Atal Setu–Coastal Road link is expected to be completed by March 2026. A direct elevated road from Thane has also been proposed and is set to begin soon.

Innovative passenger services include off-site baggage check-in from other cities and the introduction of an internal airport train system in the second phase. This will prevent vehicular congestion within the terminal complex and ensure seamless movement across terminals using travelators. Bays will be within 500 metres of arrival points to minimise walking distances.

Fadnavis concluded that the project represents India’s next-generation infrastructure capabilities and is a major step towards reducing congestion at Mumbai Airport while accommodating the country’s growing air traffic demand.