Navi Mumbai Airport Begins New Chapter with Historic IAF Landing

The Navi Mumbai International Airport marked a major milestone with the successful landing of an Indian Air Force aircraft on its south runway. Scheduled to open by 2025, this project by the Adani Group promises to be a key international aviation hub, expected to handle 90 million passengers annually.

In an unprecedented event for the Navi Mumbai International Airport, an Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft successfully landed on its south runway, marking a significant achievement in the airport's development, according to a statement from the Adani Group on Friday.

The IAF C-295's inaugural landing represents a crucial step in developing the greenfield international airport, projected to commence operations in early 2025. Jeet Adani, Director of Adani Airport Holdings Ltd., expressed pride in the progress, acknowledging the efforts and collaboration among government bodies, including CIDCO and the Airports Authority of India, for making this project possible. The airport is anticipated to become a major hub for international travelers, boosting the region's connectivity and economic growth.

The milestone event saw the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, and other senior officials from Navi Mumbai International Airport Ltd. and Adani Airport Holdings Ltd. The landing test serves as an evaluation for the airport's infrastructure readiness, demonstrating its capability to host both civilian and military operations, and positioning it as a strategic center for various missions, including disaster response.

With a 3,700-meter runway capable of accommodating large commercial aircraft, modern passenger terminals, and advanced air traffic systems, Navi Mumbai International Airport is set to handle up to 20 million passengers annually from Terminal 1 alone, eventually reaching a total capacity of 90 million passengers per year. The project is a joint venture under the Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer model, owned by Mumbai International Airport Limited and the City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra Limited.

(With inputs from agencies.)