NAVI MUMBAI- There are many myths and misconceptions about the new upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), also named DB Patil Int’l Airport, which is located near Panvel Creek and in Ulwe. So Today, we will break down all that old and rusty information about NMIA and give you the latest and exclusive updates.
NMIA is the second International Airport for Mumbaikars and is being developed by Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL). Currently, AAHL operates, manages, and develops 8 Airports in India.
Navi Mumbai International Airport: Icon in Making
First of all, let us present some facts and figures about NMIA that some of you might know.
The airport is being constructed on a fixed and limited site area of 1160 Hectares, and PM Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone on February 18, 2018. The actual construction began in August 2021.
Adani has planned to build and develop an airport in multiple phases, with two parallel runways, four terminals, a dedicated cargo terminal, an MRO zone, General Aviation hangars, and space for corporate and residential buildings.
The Airport is handled by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) B V J K Sharma and Chief Operating Officer (COO) Prabhat Mahapatra.
Now, let’s get into the real and verified information.
Progress So Far and Expected Launch
The first phase of Navi Mumbai International Airport is underway and will include one southern runway and Terminal 1 (T1).
So far, 70% of the 3.7 km long runway is completed, and the remaining will be ready in the coming months. Subsequently, the exterior work of T1 is almost completed, and they will begin the tricky interior work soon.
The airport is designed by taking inspiration from the Lotus, the national flower of India, by Zaha Hadid Architects, a London-based firm. The firm has also designed Western Sydney Airport in Australia.
Phase 1 is expected to be completed by December 2024, and NMIA is expected to launch commercial operations by March 31, 2025 (But I think it’s Aspirational and might get delayed).
After the completion of Phase 1, the NMIA will be able to handle 20 million passengers annually, which is 40% of the existing Mumbai Airport’s total capacity. In terms of cargo, it will handle 0.8 million tonnes of cargo in a year.
The airport will operate Domestic and International passenger and cargo flights, not just cargo flights (rumoured earlier).
In Phase 1, the airport will have 29 contact stands, 13 remote stands, 7 cargo stands, and 23 General aviation stands.
The NMIA will use Electric Vehicles (EVs) from day 1 and will be able to generate 20 MegaWatt (MW) of energy from roof-installed solar panels.
Adani’s NMIA will feature one of the first in the country, the Digital Art program, which will showcase the rich regional and national heritage of arts and cultures.
Connectivity: First Multi-Modal Airport in India
NMIA will be one of the most properly connected airports in India and globally. Passengers can reach the airport by all means of transportation, including 9+9 lane roads, national highways, metros, high-speed rails, and waterways.
Furthermore, there will be 10 km long Automated Passenger Movers (APM) to facilitate inter-terminal connectivity.
We will write a dedicated post on how to reach Navi Mumbai Airport by road, train, and boat in the coming days, so stay tuned.
Bottom Line
By the end of this year, we will see Navi Mumbai International Airport operational trials, and by the second quarter of next year, we will be flying in and out of the airport.
Bonus Tip: Almost all Indian airlines have approached NMIA to launch operations, and we might see IndiGo (6E) or Air India (AI) operating the first flight from the airport.
In the end, remember, don’t believe rumors, and always wait for official statements. Read news from verified and authentic news sites like Aviation A2Z or renowned national publications.
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