India has officially inaugurated the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), marking a major milestone in the expansion of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region’s aviation infrastructure. The new airport will initially handle up to 20 million passengers annually, with capacity planned to rise to 90 million as operations scale up.
Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, NMIA draws inspiration from India’s national flower, the lotus—a symbol of culture, purity, and prosperity. The design reflects both modern efficiency and traditional motifs, creating an iconic gateway for the region.
Developed as a public-private partnership between Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL), part of Adani Airport Holdings, and the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO), the project underscores India’s commitment to modernising its aviation network. The facility is operated by Navi Mumbai International Airport Private Limited (NMIAL), in which Adani Airports Holdings Limited holds a 74% stake and CIDCO retains 26%.
At the official opening, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “The Navi Mumbai International Airport is a project that exemplifies the vision of a developed India. It is built on the land of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and its design, resembling a lotus flower, makes it a living symbol of culture and prosperity.”
Occupying 1,160 hectares in Navi Mumbai, the new airport is designed to operate in tandem with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) under a dual-airport system—significantly enhancing connectivity and passenger capacity for one of India’s busiest metropolitan regions.
SOURCE AND IMAGE: Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA),
