Navi Mumbai International Airport Set for Trial Landing on October 31, 2024, After Delays
Navi Mumbai, 7th August 2024: In a notable update, the first aircraft is scheduled to land at Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) on October 31, 2024, for trial purposes following numerous delays and extensions.
According to reports, this landing will occur after the commissioning of the Instrument Landing System (ILS), a crucial step in calibrating the flight path to ensure the airport’s operational readiness.
Sources indicate that the Airports Authority of India (AAI) attempted ILS testing last month but faced delays due to adverse weather conditions and heavy rains. They plan to resume testing on August 12.
Once the testing is completed, the pathway is calibrated, and the report is submitted, further procedures will follow, including additional tests and obtaining necessary permissions before the runway can be officially opened.
The first phase of the airport is projected to become operational by March 31, 2025, as per officials.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has assigned the code ‘NMI’ to Navi Mumbai International Airport Pvt. Ltd. (NMIAL), according to FPJ. This milestone signifies an important step toward establishing the airport’s global presence. IATA codes are essential in the aviation and travel sectors, aiding in the identification of destinations and managing traffic documents for commercial airlines. These codes also support the smooth operation of various electronic applications used for passenger and cargo traffic.
Initially, the airport will handle up to 20 million passengers annually and have a cargo capacity of 0.5 million metric tonnes per year. The first and second phases will feature one runway, one terminal, and a passenger capacity of 20 million. Subsequent phases (3, 4, and 5) will expand to include a second runway, four terminals, and an increased passenger capacity of 90 million.
ILS, or Instrument Landing System, is a precision guidance tool that uses two radio beams to offer pilots both vertical and horizontal guidance during landings. The localizer component provides lateral alignment with the runway’s centerline, while the glide path component offers vertical guidance, such as altitude information.
