The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has received an application for an aerodrome license from Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIAL), marking a key step in the airport’s progress toward operational readiness. The airport, designed to accommodate increasing air travel demand in the Mumbai metropolitan region, is scheduled to begin operations by May 15, 2025, and aims to secure the necessary approvals before that date. Navi Mumbai International Airport is a joint venture between Adani Airport Holding (AAHL) and the City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra (CIDCO), with a 74:26 shareholding structure. Officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, DGCA, and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) recently conducted a site visit to assess the airport’s development status. Progress has been observed in key infrastructure components, including the Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower, baggage screening systems, passenger processing facilities, and other essential operational areas. While substantial advancements have been made, certain aspects of the project, particularly passenger accessibility to the terminal building, require expedited efforts. Ensuring seamless access to the terminal is a critical factor for obtaining the aerodrome license and achieving full operational functionality. Once operational, the airport is expected to ease congestion at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, handling an initial capacity of up to 12 million passengers annually. The long-term plan envisions two runways and four terminals, ultimately accommodating up to 90 million passengers per year across five phases. The completion of Phase 1 is anticipated to provide significant relief to the region’s air traffic, particularly with Mumbai International Airport’s Terminal 1 scheduled for closure in October 2025 for redevelopment. Airlines will coordinate with authorities to determine flight transitions to the new facility. News source: CNBC TV18