The much-awaited Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is tentatively slated for inauguration on September 30, according to the Free Press Journal. While the project promises to ease congestion at Mumbai’s existing airport, concerns remain over incomplete infrastructure that may affect passenger convenience from day one.

Once operational, Mumbai will join the select list of Indian cities with two functioning airports. The first phase, spanning 58 acres and designed for 20 million passengers annually, is being developed by Adani Airports in partnership with CIDCO. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed that the project is racing to meet the revised September deadline, after missing its earlier June target.

BVJK Sharma, CEO of NMIA, said initial operations will handle 8–10 air traffic movements per hour, scaling up to 30 by mid-2026.

Connectivity Concerns

Access remains the most pressing challenge. The crucial western interchange connecting Amra Marg with the Ulwe Coastal Road has already missed its June completion date. The six-lane Ulwe Coastal Road, linking the Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link, is now expected only by early 2026. Other major projects such as the Thane–Airport elevated corridor and JNPA Expressway are still at the planning or execution stage. Meanwhile, upgrades to the Sion–Panvel highway are underway but will not be ready before the inauguration.

Public transport connectivity is also limited. The nearest station, Kharkopar, is not yet functional, and metro projects linking NMIA to CSMIA and eastern suburbs remain on paper. The Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport (NMMT) is considering interim dedicated bus services, with discussions currently underway.

Security & Facilities

To strengthen immigration security, 285 personnel will be recruited, according to DCP Sanjay Patil. However, a dedicated airport police station is still awaiting clearance from the state Home Department, leaving the Ulwe police station in charge for now.

Hotel infrastructure also lags. While brands such as JW Marriott have announced projects near the airport, they will not be operational by launch. The operator has planned an 80-room short-stay facility on-site, though parking arrangements are yet to be clarified.

On the brighter side, the airport will have strong medical backup, with multi-speciality hospitals such as Apollo and Acharya Shri Nanesh located within 10–25 minutes of the site, ensuring emergency preparedness.

News source: Money Control