Granted after meeting stringent safety and compliance norms, the licence marks a critical step in NMIA’s transition from construction to commissioning, and is essential for operational readiness.
The Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), India’s newest greenfield mega-airport, has secured its aerodrome licence from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), a critical regulatory milestone ahead of its scheduled launch in October.
The licence, granted after meeting stringent safety and compliance requirements, is a prerequisite for operational readiness. It marks a major step forward in NMIA’s transition from construction to commissioning.
“With the aerodrome licence now in place, NMIA moves closer to its vision of enhancing regional and international connectivity and establishing a modern gateway linking Navi Mumbai with the world,” the airport operator said in a statement on Tuesday.
Developed by Adani Airports at an estimated cost of ₹160 billion ($1.93 billion), NMIA is expected to handle up to 90 million passengers annually by 2032. The airport’s phased ramp-up will support exponential growth in passenger and cargo volumes, positioning Navi Mumbai as a strategic aviation node.
The surge in connectivity is projected to generate thousands of jobs across aviation, logistics, hospitality, and retail. With NMIA integrating Navi Mumbai into global flight paths, Maharashtra’s economic output could see a meaningful uplift over the next decade.
Beyond its immediate catchment, NMIA will benefit regions across Gujarat, Goa, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and the union territory of Daman and Diu. Industrial belts in South Gujarat and northern Karnataka stand to gain from faster multimodal integration, while tourism and agro-export corridors in Goa and Daman may see increased throughput.