Pre-development works for the second phase of Navi Mumbai International Airport will commence in October, according to BVJK Sharma, Chief Executive Officer of Navi Mumbai International Airport Ltd. The next phase includes the construction of a second terminal and an additional runway to meet future passenger growth.

The airport’s first phase is slated for launch by the end of August, though an official opening date has yet to be confirmed. IndiGo and Akasa Air have already declared their operational plans, while talks are ongoing with Air India regarding its network integration.

“We will begin with 8 to 10 air traffic movements per hour and aim to scale up to 30 by April next year,” Sharma said at the Inter Passenger Terminal Show. Although the single runway can handle up to 45 flights an hour, the current terminal’s capacity will limit operations in the initial phase. This constraint has prompted the Adani Group to fast-track development of the second terminal and runway.

At launch, the airport will accommodate up to 20 million passengers annually. The second phase will add a further capacity of 30 to 35 million passengers per year. Preparatory works such as excavation and soil testing for the expansion will begin in October. While a master plan is in place, it may be revised to align with airline network growth. The design for the second terminal will be finalised through an architectural competition.

Both the second terminal and additional runway are expected to be completed by 2029. Sharma noted that construction would follow a modular approach to avoid disruption to ongoing flight operations.

Regarding passenger services, Sharma emphasised the airport’s commitment to offering a seamless travel experience through tools such as the Digital Yatra platform and the Adani One app. These will provide real-time information on walking distances, waiting times, and more.

Additionally, the airport is coordinating with the Civil Aviation Ministry and the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security for the deployment of body scanners and advanced CT x-ray machines, allowing passengers to keep electronic devices inside hand baggage during screening.

Image source: https://www.cntraveller.in/