The Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) has inched closer to opening its runways for commercial operations, with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) granting it the mandatory Aerodrome Licence just days ahead of its inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 8.

The licence authorises the NMIA to be used as a regular place of landing and departure for all persons on equal terms and conditions, subject to the specifications outlined in its Aerodrome Manual. The DGCA emphasised that the licence is non-transferable and may be suspended or modified in case of violations of the Aircraft Act 1934, Aircraft Rules 1937, or other regulatory requirements.

“We are pleased to achieve this significant milestone with the grant of our Aerodrome Licence. This approval brings us closer to becoming fully operational and enhancing connectivity for passengers and businesses alike,” said NMIA officials.

The Navi Mumbai airport has been under construction for several years, aiming to ease congestion at Mumbai’s existing airport and strengthen regional and international connectivity. With the licence now in place, the NMIA is a step closer to welcoming commercial flights and establishing itself as a modern gateway linking Navi Mumbai with the rest of the world.

The inaugural flight from NMIA is scheduled for October 8, with PM Modi expected to preside over the event. Airlines such as IndiGo, Akasa Air, and Air India Express have announced plans to commence operations from the airport, with initial flights connecting various domestic cities.

The airport’s development is progressing in phases, with the first phase expected to handle 20 million passengers and 500,000 metric tonnes of cargo annually. Upon full completion, NMIA is projected to handle 90 million passengers and 3.2 million metric tonnes of cargo each year, complementing the existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and enhancing the Mumbai Metropolitan Region’s aviation infrastructure.