- “This airport will make the region Asia’s biggest connectivity hub,” says PM Modi as Gautam Adani hails it as Bharat’s global gateway; Jeet Adani calls NMIA a blueprint for future-ready airports
NE BUSINESS BUREAU
NAVI MUMBAI, OCT 8
In a defining moment for India’s aviation and infrastructure journey, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) — a world-class aviation hub that marks a major milestone for Adani Airport Holdings Ltd. (AAHL) and the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) under a landmark public–private partnership.
Speaking at the event, the Prime Minister said the long-cherished dream of Mumbai’s second international airport had finally taken flight. “The Navi Mumbai International Airport is a project that exemplifies the vision of a developed India,” said Prime Minister Modi. “Built on the land of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, its design resembling a lotus flower makes it a living symbol of culture and prosperity. This airport will connect Maharashtra’s farmers directly with international markets and reduce logistical costs for MSMEs, attracting new industries and investment. It will play a major role in establishing the region as Asia’s biggest connectivity hub.”
The Prime Minister toured the state-of-the-art facilities along with Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, MoS Murlidhar Mohol, and Adani Airports Director Jeet Adani.
“We Have Built More Than an Airport — We Have Architected Bharat as a Gateway”: Gautam Adani
Describing NMIA as a milestone in India’s rise as a global economic power, Gautam Adani, Chairman, Adani Group, said the airport was more than just infrastructure — it was a testament to the country’s growing confidence and ambition.
“In an era where India ascends among the world’s largest economies, we have built more than an airport – we have architected Bharat as a gateway and as one of the world’s most indispensable crossroads,” said Gautam Adani. “This is infrastructure that does not just serve today’s demand, it creates tomorrow’s exponential possibilities. Every flight through these terminals will carry not just passengers, but the pulse of a defining superpower and the dreams and achievements of a nation reclaiming its place at the centre of global progress.”
“A Landmark in India’s Aviation Journey”: Jeet Adani
Highlighting the technological and sustainability vision behind NMIA, Jeet Adani, Director, Adani Airport Holdings Ltd., said the airport represents a new benchmark for India’s aviation infrastructure.
“NMIA is a landmark in India’s aviation journey, uniting cutting-edge technology, sustainability, and a passenger-first experience,” said Jeet Adani. “By complementing CSMIA, it reinforces Mumbai’s role as a global aviation hub and sets a blueprint for future-ready airports nationwide.”
Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, NMIA draws inspiration from the Lotus, symbolizing purity and renewal. The airport integrates cultural identity, modern design, and sustainability, creating an architectural icon that mirrors India’s global aspirations.
With an initial capacity of 20 million passengers per annum (MPPA), NMIA will scale up to 90 MPPA, making it one of India’s largest aviation hubs. The airport’s multimodal connectivity — linking the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, Navi Mumbai and Mumbai Metro, suburban rail, and planned waterways — will dramatically enhance regional accessibility, reduce travel time, and bolster cargo and passenger traffic across western India.
In its first two phases, NMIA will operate a single runway and terminal, expanding over time to four runways, multiple terminals, and a dedicated cargo complex equipped for perishables and express logistics.
A Defining Chapter in India’s Aviation Future
From the Gunduperumbedu Lake rejuvenation to renewable energy leadership, the Adani Group’s initiatives reflect its larger vision of nation-building through sustainable infrastructure. With NMIA, India steps closer to its goal of becoming a global aviation powerhouse, strengthening the Government’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
As the Prime Minister declared the airport open, Navi Mumbai officially took its place on the global map — a gateway to growth, innovation, and the new India taking flight.
