Navi Mumbai Airport Ushers In Dual-Airport Era

02 Jan 2026 CW Team

Union Minister of Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu described the opening of NMIA as a significant step towards easing rising air traffic pressure in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Developed by Adani Airports Holdings Limited, a subsidiary of Adani Enterprises Limited, NMIA has been designed to handle 20 million passengers annually and manage 0.5 million tonnes of cargo. As one of India’s largest greenfield airport projects, it is expected to emerge as a key hub for both domestic and international traffic, strengthening Maharashtra’s position in the national aviation network.

The airport reflects the strong growth momentum of India’s aviation sector, featuring a technology-driven design focused on improving capacity, operational efficiency and passenger experience. On its opening day, NMIA handled 48 flights connecting nine domestic destinations, marking the first phase of enhanced regional connectivity.

Designed to complement Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, NMIA is expected to significantly ease congestion at Mumbai’s primary airport, which has faced mounting pressure from rising passenger and cargo demand. The dual-airport model is set to enable smoother and faster connections across the city and western India, supporting broader economic activity.

According to the Adani Group, NMIA has commenced operations with flights operated by carriers such as IndiGo and Akasa Air, with further route expansion planned. More than 4,000 passengers were handled on the first day, signalling strong demand and the airport’s growth potential. On the cargo front, the airport’s annual capacity of 0.5 million tonnes is expected to enhance trade flows, logistics efficiency and supply chains, reinforcing Mumbai’s status as a leading commercial hub.

Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani highlighted the collective effort behind the project, acknowledging the contribution of workers, farmers and community stakeholders. He noted the symbolic significance of the airport for many involved, for whom it represented their first-ever flight, underscoring aviation’s transformative impact.

NMIA is also expected to deliver a major boost to tourism in Maharashtra. Improved domestic and international connectivity is likely to attract higher tourist inflows into Mumbai and surrounding regions, supporting recovery and growth in hospitality, retail and entertainment sectors following the pandemic.

The project aligns with the government’s broader vision of modernising infrastructure to meet growing air travel demand and strengthening India’s global connectivity. Alongside continued investment in road and rail networks, NMIA forms part of a wider strategy to support Maharashtra’s rapidly expanding economy.

Looking ahead, NMIA is set to play a central role in shaping Mumbai’s aviation future by easing congestion, enhancing passenger experience and unlocking new business and tourism opportunities. As Mumbai embraces its dual-airport status, the city is poised to strengthen its position as a global hub for trade, travel and investment.

Mumbai has become India’s first true dual-airport metropolis with the commissioning of Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), a landmark development expected to reshape the region’s aviation landscape. Located in the Navi Mumbai district of Maharashtra, the new airport represents a major milestone in India’s airport infrastructure journey and sets a benchmark for future air travel development. Union Minister of Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu described the opening of NMIA as a significant step towards easing rising air traffic pressure in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Developed by Adani Airports Holdings Limited, a subsidiary of Adani Enterprises Limited, NMIA has been designed to handle 20 million passengers annually and manage 0.5 million tonnes of cargo. As one of India’s largest greenfield airport projects, it is expected to emerge as a key hub for both domestic and international traffic, strengthening Maharashtra’s position in the national aviation network. The airport reflects the strong growth momentum of India’s aviation sector, featuring a technology-driven design focused on improving capacity, operational efficiency and passenger experience. On its opening day, NMIA handled 48 flights connecting nine domestic destinations, marking the first phase of enhanced regional connectivity. Designed to complement Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, NMIA is expected to significantly ease congestion at Mumbai’s primary airport, which has faced mounting pressure from rising passenger and cargo demand. The dual-airport model is set to enable smoother and faster connections across the city and western India, supporting broader economic activity. According to the Adani Group, NMIA has commenced operations with flights operated by carriers such as IndiGo and Akasa Air, with further route expansion planned. More than 4,000 passengers were handled on the first day, signalling strong demand and the airport’s growth potential. On the cargo front, the airport’s annual capacity of 0.5 million tonnes is expected to enhance trade flows, logistics efficiency and supply chains, reinforcing Mumbai’s status as a leading commercial hub. Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani highlighted the collective effort behind the project, acknowledging the contribution of workers, farmers and community stakeholders. He noted the symbolic significance of the airport for many involved, for whom it represented their first-ever flight, underscoring aviation’s transformative impact. NMIA is also expected to deliver a major boost to tourism in Maharashtra. Improved domestic and international connectivity is likely to attract higher tourist inflows into Mumbai and surrounding regions, supporting recovery and growth in hospitality, retail and entertainment sectors following the pandemic. The project aligns with the government’s broader vision of modernising infrastructure to meet growing air travel demand and strengthening India’s global connectivity. Alongside continued investment in road and rail networks, NMIA forms part of a wider strategy to support Maharashtra’s rapidly expanding economy. Looking ahead, NMIA is set to play a central role in shaping Mumbai’s aviation future by easing congestion, enhancing passenger experience and unlocking new business and tourism opportunities. As Mumbai embraces its dual-airport status, the city is poised to strengthen its position as a global hub for trade, travel and investment.

Real Estate

27 Jan 2026

A Paradigm Shift

The Indian real-estate and construction sector, which employs a significant number of organised and unorganised workers in the country, has embarked on a paradigm shift in its regulatory framework from an employment law perspective. With the four Labour Codes – the Code on Wages, 2019 (Wage Code); the Industrial Relations Code, 2020 (IR Code); the Code on Social Security, 2020 (SS Code) and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 (OSH Code) – coming into effect in India from November 21, 2025, the industry is shifting away from a fragmented, contractor- driven com..

Technology

27 Jan 2026

We offer end-to-end traceability at scale

mjunction has evolved from an e-auction pioneer into a multi-vertical digital commerce platform with deep expertise in complex steel and coal supply chains. Its end-to-end, AI-led architecture focuses on price discovery, traceability, compliance and scalability, enabling transparent procurement, efficient logistics and data-driven decision-making across geographies. Vinaya Varma, MD, shares more about the company in conversation with CW.From a technology standpoint, what are the core USPs of mjunction today that differentiate it in steel and coal supply chains?mjunction has evolved b..

Infrastructure Urban

27 Jan 2026

Henkel, Rotary Recycle PoP Ganesha Idols Under Project HARMONY

Henkel India, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Navi Mumbai – Joy of Giving and with support from the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC), has advanced circular sustainability through Project HARMONY by recycling Plaster of Paris (PoP) Ganesha idols into community learning assets. The initiative highlights an integrated approach to environmental restoration and social impact.As part of the project, materials collected after Ganesh Visarjan 2025 at Nerul were responsibly diverted from land and water bodies and processed at an authorised recycling facility, with on-ground execution s..