In a significant moment for the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), an Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft successfully landed on its South runway.
The landing of the IAF C-295, a versatile tactical airlifter, marks a major milestone in the Adani Group’s development of the new international airport. Construction began in August 2021 and is expected to be operational by early 2025.
“We are proud of the progress NMIAL has made,” said Jeet Adani, Director of Adani Airport Holdings Ltd. “As AAHL’s first greenfield airport, NMIAL represents years of planning, investment, and hard work. This world-class airport will be a vital hub for global travelers.”
The successful landing of the IAF C295 is an important phase in testing the newly built runway, taxiways, air traffic control systems, and handling procedures to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. This phase allows for evaluation of the airport’s performance and readiness for commercial operations, scheduled to begin in early 2025.
Moreover, this landing showcases NMIAL’s readiness for joint operations between civilian and military authorities, such as disaster response and emergency landings.
NMIAL is designed to serve both domestic and international passengers, with top-notch facilities including a 3,700-meter runway, modern terminals, and advanced air traffic control systems. Terminal 1 can accommodate up to 20 million passengers annually.
In the future, the airport will have the capacity to handle 90 million passengers annually and 800,000 tonnes of cargo.
