News Brief
Navi Mumbai International Airport Under DGCA Review For Operational Readiness
A plane landing at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai (Image: Association of Private Airport Operators)
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) held a crucial meeting on Tuesday (25 February) with key stakeholders of the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) to evaluate its preparedness for obtaining an aerodrome license.
This certification is essential for the airport to begin commercial operations, ensuring compliance with all necessary safety, operational, and infrastructural standards, Financial Express reported.
NMIA is managed by NMIAL, a joint venture between Adani Airport Holdings (AAHL) and City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra (CIDCO).
This meeting was prompted by the rejection of NMIAL’s aerodrome licence application, submitted in December 2024, due to non-compliance with regulatory guidelines, FE reported citing sources.
Meanwhile, the DGCA has also received an application for an aerodrome license from Noida International Airport, which is managed by Yamuna International Airport Private Limited (YIAPL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Zurich Airport International AG.
The regulatory body is currently reviewing this request.
Both airports require DGCA certification before commencing operations, and their applications indicate that they are moving closer to operational readiness.
Both NMIA and Noida International Airport have successfully conducted their first flight validation tests, marking a significant milestone in the certification process.
The data collected is now under review by the DGCA. An official explained that regulatory approval for aerodrome licenses typically takes up to 90 days, following a comprehensive evaluation of these validation tests.
Both airports have faced multiple delays in commissioning, including Navi Mumbai International Airport, which has encountered several setbacks.
However, the Adani Group had earlier stated that NMIA is set for commissioning in April 2025.
The development of these two major airports is expected to significantly ease congestion at existing air travel hubs while enhancing regional and international connectivity.
Navi Mumbai International Airport’s first phase will accommodate over 20 million passengers annually, with future expansion plans targeting 90 million passengers and 2.5 million tonnes of cargo by 2032.
Noida International Airport will begin operations with a capacity of 12 million passengers per year, scaling up to 70 million passengers in later phases.
