Navi Mumbai International Airport Set for First Commercial Landing on December 29
Navi Mumbai, 28th December 2024: In a major step towards operational readiness, the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) will see its first commercial landing on the southern runway with an Indigo A320 aircraft on Sunday, December 29, 2024. This follows a successful Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) validation by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) two weeks earlier.
According to sources involved in the project, the commercial landing aims to ensure the runway is fully operational for aircraft take-offs and landings ahead of the airport’s scheduled opening on March 31, 2025. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has been invited to attend the event, although his participation is yet to be confirmed.
The test will be conducted in collaboration between AAI and NMIA, though details about the procedure remain limited.
On December 12, AAI’s Flight Inspection Unit (FIU) validated the PAPI system, essential for guiding pilots during landings. This system uses a series of lights that emit red and white signals to help pilots maintain the correct glide path, ensuring safety during both day and night operations. The validation process is crucial for confirming the system’s effectiveness.
NMIA marked a significant achievement on October 11, 2024, when an Indian Air Force (IAF) C295 aircraft completed a test landing. This event, conducted by a specialized IAF crew, demonstrated the airport’s ability to handle a variety of aircraft and highlighted the collaboration between the IAF and airport authorities to maintain top safety standards.
The NMIA project aims to reduce congestion at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) and accommodate the region’s growing air traffic and population. The airport’s launch is eagerly awaited by residents of Navi Mumbai and surrounding areas, as it promises to boost the local economy, create jobs, and improve connectivity.
With the capacity to handle 90 million passengers and 2.5 million tonnes of cargo annually, NMIA is set to become one of India’s largest greenfield international airports. Once operational, it will complement CSMIA as part of an urban dual airport system, enhancing Mumbai’s position as a major gateway to India.
