Overview

• India’s aviation regulator issued the aerodrome licence on Sept. 30, authorising Navi Mumbai International Airport for public use as the Mumbai region’s second airport.
• The licence allows regular landings and departures under DGCA specifications and is a mandatory prerequisite for commencing commercial services.
• Maharashtra officials say Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the airport during his Oct. 8–9 visit to the state.
• Air India Express plans 20 daily departures connecting about 15 Indian cities at launch, with a scale-up to 55 daily departures by mid-2026 including up to five international routes, while IndiGo and Akasa also plan to begin operations.
• Test flights have already taken place at the new facility, and the first phase is designed for 20 million passengers a year with long-term plans to grow to 90 million.