Navi Mumbai’s much-anticipated international airport is set to transform India’s aviation landscape, anchoring a massive Rs 1 trillion expansion plan that also includes upgrades to Mumbai’s existing hub and several regional terminals. Over the next five years, this large-scale infusion into infrastructure and real estate is expected to redefine passenger experience and drive sustainable growth in one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets.

The Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is expected to begin operations later this year with an initial capacity of 20 million passengers annually, built at an estimated cost of Rs 190 billion. Designed as a phased project, its second terminal will eventually cater to 50 million passengers annually, with the airport’s full capacity projected at 90 million, positioning it among the largest aviation hubs in the region.

Mumbai’s existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) will also undergo transformation, with a completely new terminal scheduled for completion by 2032 at a cost of Rs 50 billion. Officials noted that these developments are supported by strong equity commitments and refinancing support from lenders, reflecting confidence in India’s long-term aviation growth.

Beyond Mumbai, terminal expansions are being planned at Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Thiruvananthapuram, and Lucknow, while Guwahati’s new terminal is set to be commissioned later this year. Collectively, these projects mark one of the largest coordinated investments ever undertaken in India’s airport sector.

What sets this expansion apart is its emphasis on sustainability. Modern airport infrastructure is being reimagined to integrate green building norms, renewable energy, and transit-oriented development. Navi Mumbai itself is envisioned as an aviation-led urban centre, expected to act as a catalyst for clean mobility and real estate development.

Industry experts underline that strengthening India’s domestic airport capacity is critical to capturing traffic currently routed through Gulf and Southeast Asian hubs. This expansion is seen as a step towards positioning Indian cities as global connectors while reducing reliance on foreign transit points.

With 26 airports identified under public–private partnership (PPP) models, the sector is poised for rapid growth. For India’s cities, these new-generation airports represent not only passenger gateways but also engines of sustainable urban development for the decades ahead.