Navi Mumbai’s new airport set for September inauguration amid infrastructure concerns 


Navi Mumbai International Airport to open on September 30 amid connectivity challenges.

The Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is tentatively scheduled for inauguration on September 30, as per a Free Press Journal report.

However, a significant gap between the state-of-the-art terminal and its underdeveloped supporting infrastructure is raising serious questions about the passenger experience from day one.

Once operational, Mumbai will join a small group of Indian cities with two functional airports. The first phase of the project, developed by a joint venture between Adani Airports and CIDCO, is racing toward completion after missing its initial June deadline, as noted by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

According to a Free Press Journal report, the airport’s CEO, BVJK Sharma, stated initial operations would handle a modest 8-10 air traffic movements per hour.

This is expected to scale up to 30 movements during peak hours by mid-2026. The completed first phase will span 58 acres, built to handle 20 million passengers annually.

The most pressing concern is road access. While major projects are in the pipeline, current progress is lagging. The crucial western entry interchange linking Amra Marg and the Ulwe Coastal Road has already missed its June completion deadline.

The six-lane Ulwe Coastal Road itself, a direct link from the Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link, is targeted for early 2026.

Other key projects, such as the Thane-Airport elevated corridor, remain at the planning stage, while the approved JNPA Expressway is awaiting execution. Upgrades to existing highways like the Sion-Panvel are ongoing but will not be ready for the September opening.

Public transport is another critical hurdle. The nearest railway station, Kharkopar, is not yet functional and planned metro lines connecting NMIA to the existing CSMIA and the eastern city are still in planning stages. All eyes are now on the Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport (NMMT) to provide a stopgap solution.

An NMMT official was cited by Free Press Journal as confirming that a meeting is scheduled to chalk out a dedicated bus service plan.

On security, the Navi Mumbai police are preparing for the influx. Deputy Commissioner of Police Sanjay Patil confirmed that 285 personnel will be recruited for immigration duties.

However, the proposal for a dedicated airport police station is still pending final approval with the state Home Department. Until then, jurisdictional matters will be handled by the Ulwe police station.

The area also lacks quality hotels in the immediate vicinity. Most established accommodations are located in CBD Belapur, Turbhe or Kharghar.

While major brands like JW Marriott have announced new projects nearby, these will not be ready for the airport’s launch. NMIA’s operator plans an 80-room short-stay facility on-site, but parking availability remains uncertain.

In a positive development, the airport will be well-supported by medical infrastructure. A network of multi-speciality and advanced tertiary care hospitals, including Apollo and Acharya Shri Nanesh in Belapur, are located within a 10 to 25-minute radius, ensuring robust emergency preparedness.