City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra Ltd (CIDCO) has appointed a joint venture of RITES Limited and Creative Group LLP to undertake a techno-commercial feasibility study for the development of a third runway at Navi Mumbai International Airport in Ulwe, Raigad district. The appointment follows the commencement of commercial operations at the airport, which was formally inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on eight October 2025 and opened for commercial flights on 25 December 2025. The Navi Mumbai International Airport is the second international airport in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region after the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai.

The joint venture will act as consultant to assess technical requirements, runway alignment options, airside infrastructure needs and commercial viability, including phased delivery and integration with existing airport systems. The study will consider operational constraints, safety standards and regulatory compliance while outlining cost estimates and implementation timelines. CIDCO noted the study is a preliminary step to inform detailed design and procurement.

The move comes months after commercial services began at the new airport and forms part of longer term planning to expand capacity and strengthen regional connectivity. The third runway is intended to augment airside capacity and provide resilience during peak operations at the existing two runways and apron systems. Planners will evaluate surface access, air traffic management implications and environmental considerations as part of the assessment.

Findings from the feasibility study will provide the basis for subsequent approvals, funding decisions and tendering for design and construction stages. The consultant team will submit technical reports and commercial analyses that CIDCO will use to sequence works while coordinating with aviation authorities and stakeholders. The study timetable and cost estimates were not disclosed in the initial announcement.