Navi Mumbai is on the brink of a major infrastructure milestone as the much-awaited Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is set to begin operations by the end of September, with the launch tentatively scheduled for September 30. Ahead of the opening, a massive rally was held on Sunday, September 14, from Thane’s Bhiwandi to Navi Mumbai, led by NCP (SP) leader and Bhiwandi MP Suresh Mhatre. The demonstrators demanded that the airport be named after late farmer leader D B Patil, a prominent voice of the region.
A Game-Changer for Air Travel
The Phase 1 launch of Terminal 1 will allow NMIA to handle up to 20 million passengers annually, significantly easing the load on Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. Once fully developed across four phases, NMIA will be capable of handling 90 million passengers and 2.5 million tonnes of cargo annually, making it one of the largest aviation hubs in Asia.
The first two phases are scheduled for completion by March 2025, with facilities including domestic and international cargo terminals spread over more than 6 lakh sq ft.
How to Reach Navi Mumbai International Airport
Located near Ulwe and Panvel, NMIA will be accessible through multiple transport corridors designed to cut down travel time and improve connectivity for commuters from Mumbai, Thane, and beyond.
- Roads & Highways: Passengers can reach NMIA using the Mumbai-Trans Harbour Link (Atal Setu), which reduces travel time to just 20 minutes from the bridge end to the airport. Other options include the Sion-Panvel Highway, NH 348A, Amra Marg, the Eastern Freeway, and the upcoming Ulwe Coastal Road (UCR), slated for completion by 2026.
- Rail & Metro: The airport is close to Panvel railway station, a key hub on the harbour line. Metro connectivity is also in the pipeline, with Mumbai Metro Line 8 (Gold Line) and Navi Mumbai Metro projects under construction.
- Public Transport: CIDCO and MMRDA are preparing last-mile connectivity through mini-buses, e-rickshaws, autos, and shuttles to ferry passengers from metro nodes and railway stations to NMIA.
A Boost for Regional Economy
The development of NMIA is expected to not only transform the passenger experience but also serve as a catalyst for economic growth in Navi Mumbai and surrounding regions. The domestic cargo terminal (3.6 lakh sq ft) and international cargo terminal (2.55 lakh sq ft) will make it a logistics hub for trade and commerce.
As the first flights prepare for take-off, NMIA is all set to become a world-class gateway for Maharashtra, reflecting India’s growing aviation demand and the need for smarter, sustainable airport infrastructure.
