Mumbai, Oct 8 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially launched Phase 1 of the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) on Wednesday, marking the beginning of one of India's most advanced and environmentally friendly airports.

This new greenfield airport, covering an area of 1,160 hectares, is being constructed with an investment of Rs 19,650 crore. Domestic flight operations are slated to start in the first week of December 2025, with international flights expected to follow two months later.

One of the two runways has been completed, and all terminals will be integrated for enhanced passenger experience. A unique feature will allow passengers to check in directly at the metro station, with baggage services facilitated through the 'One-Up End-to-End Baggage Facility' app.

The airport prioritizes environmental sustainability, focusing on green energy and water conservation.

Featuring digital art that reflects Indian culture, the terminal will also implement artificial intelligence (AI) technology in various operational aspects.

To boost connectivity, a new road linking Atal Setu to Kosthal Road is under construction, and Metro Line 8 will soon connect both Navi Mumbai and Mumbai airports. Additionally, a water taxi service will be launched shortly.

The airport will accommodate 350 aircraft with dedicated taxiways for both runways. The entire project is expected to be completed in four years. The opening of Navi Mumbai International Airport will greatly enhance the air traffic capacity of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, serving as a beacon of India's forward-looking development.

According to the NMIA fact sheet, upon full completion, the airport will serve 90 million passengers and handle 3.25 million metric tonnes of cargo annually. Currently, Phase 1 is designed to cater to 20 million passengers and 0.5 million metric tonnes of cargo capacity. The ownership of the airport lies with Navi Mumbai International Airport Ltd, comprising MIAL (74%) and CIDCO (26%). The Director General of Civil Aviation granted an Aerodrome Licence to NMIA on September 30.

NMIA, alongside Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, will create a multi-airport system for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, establishing an aviation hub with a total passenger capacity of up to 150 million annually. NMIA will alleviate congestion and position Mumbai among global multi-airport systems.