1.Growing confidence in infrastructure readiness: IndiGo and Air India agreeing to shift
a part of their operations to the newly built Navi Mumbai International Airport reflects growing
confidence among leading domestic carriers in its infrastructure and operational readiness.
This milestone follows nearly 18 months of extensive consultations between the airport
operator and airlines to facilitate a coordinated and phased transition to replace ageing
Terminal 1, CSMIA with modern aviation infrastructure. In addition to the existing road
network, three new bridges—SBR-9, BR-4 and BR-5—built by CIDCO across Panvel Creek
and the Gadhi River, are set to improve connectivity between Navi Mumbai International
Airport (NMIA), Atal Setu, Ulwe Coastal Road, Amra Marg and NH-4B.
2. Enabling the redevelopment and modernisation of CSMIA Terminal 1: The planned
transfer of around 3 million passengers—accounting for approximately 60% of the traffic
targeted for relocation in the first phase—will create the necessary headroom for the phased
redevelopment of CSMIA’s Terminal 1. The initial phase aims to shift approximately 5 million
passengers to Navi Mumbai, enabling critical safety enhancements, modernisation,
upgraded passenger facilities and expanded handling capacity at CSMIA.
3. Building a safer, modern and future-ready aviation ecosystem for Mumbai:
Distributing traffic between CSMIA and Navi Mumbai will help ease capacity constraints,
facilitate planned infrastructure upgrades and improve operational efficiency across
Mumbai’s aviation network. The redevelopment of CSMIA’s Terminal 1 will create a safer,
modernised and digitally enabled facility, increasing its annual passenger-handling capacity
by approximately 33%—from 15 million to 20 million. This additional capacity will
enhance the passenger experience, provide airlines with greater scope for growth and
support Mumbai’s long-term economic development and international connectivity.
Importantly, the redevelopment will also preserve the city’s aviation legacy while
preparing its infrastructure to meet the needs of the future.
4. Advancing India’s ambition to become a global aviation hub: The development of
Navi Mumbai alongside CSMIA offers Mumbai the opportunity to evolve into a dual-airport
gateway, with greater capacity, wider international connectivity and stronger potential to
attract international transfer traffic. Together, the two airports can facilitate more seamless
domestic–international connections, attract greater participation from international airlines
and enable India to capture a larger share of global transit traffic. This would strengthen
India’s position in the global aviation network and support its ambition to emerge as an
international aviation hub.
5. Creating a pathway for wider international airline participation: The participation of
major domestic carriers establishes an important foundation for Navi Mumbai’s operational
growth and network expansion. As connectivity increases and the airport builds its
operational track record, it could encourage more international airlines to launch or expand
services, broadening passenger choice and strengthening Mumbai’s global connectivity.
This, in turn, can help unlock the full potential of the city’s dual-airport ecosystem.
NMI: Key Strengths for International Passenger Operations
Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) combines world-class, future-ready infrastructure
with scalable capacity, with Terminal 1 designed to handle 20 million passengers annually
and future expansion planned to reach 90 million. NMIA’s connectivity to key urban centres,
business districts and logistics hubs across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, supported by
road infrastructure and planned multimodal transport links, will improve accessibility for
passengers and airline staff. Advanced passenger-processing systems, Digi Yatra,
automated baggage handling and integrated digital platforms will support seamless journeys
and efficient airline operations. Dedicated cargo facilities, specialised cold-chain
infrastructure, inflight catering and proximity to major ports and industrial hubs strengthen its
global logistics potential. Modern hospitality, diverse retail and dining, passenger lounges
and distinctive Indian cultural experiences enhance traveller appeal. Sustainable design and
phased expansion position NMIA to strengthen Mumbai’s international connectivity and
India’s global aviation ambitions.
