PM Modi to Inaugurate Navi Mumbai Airport on October 8: Asia’s Largest Aviation Hub
The wait is finally over for Mumbaikars and travellers across India as the much-anticipated Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is ready to open its doors. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the airport on October 8, 2025, around noon, marking a major milestone in India’s aviation landscape. Developed by Navi Mumbai International Airport Ltd., the project is led by the Adani Group with a 74% stake, while the remaining 26% lies with the Maharashtra government’s CIDCO (City and Industrial Development Corporation).
The new airport has been officially named after Loknete Dinkar Balu (DB) Patil, a respected farmer-leader from the Navi Mumbai region who fought for the rights and rehabilitation of local families whose land was acquired for the city’s development. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the name, calling it a symbol of justice and equality. For Agri and Koli communities, the gesture recognises Patil’s decades-long struggle and gives a strong social and emotional identity to the project.
Spread across 1,160 hectares, NMIA features a stunning lotus-flower-inspired terminal design, blending modern aesthetics with cultural symbolism. The airport recently received its aerodrome licence from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on September 30, clearing the way for operations to begin. Phase 1 of the project will be able to handle around 20 million passengers annually and 0.8 million tonnes of cargo. Once fully complete, the airport will scale up to serve 90 million passengers and manage over 3.2 million metric tonnes (MMT) of cargo every year, making it one of Asia’s largest aviation hubs.
What Makes It Stand Out
When fully operational, NMIA is expected to become Asia’s biggest aviation centre, easing pressure off the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) in Mumbai. With state-of-the-art technology, faster cargo handling, and passenger-friendly amenities, it promises smoother operations and improved connectivity. The airport’s opening will also introduce new routes and competitive fares, as airlines gear up to expand their services once slot allocations are finalised.
Inauguration and Operations
The grand opening will be held on October 8, with operations expected to commence by December 2025, according to CIDCO Vice-Chairman and Managing Director Vijay Singhal. Once open, it will serve as the second major airport in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, giving travellers a long-awaited alternative to the congested Mumbai airport.
How to Reach the Airport
Located strategically near key highways, NMIA will connect to regional rail and metro lines, making it easily accessible from different parts of Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. Travellers are advised to check the availability of taxi services, app-based cabs, shuttle buses, and express routes before the opening day to ensure smooth travel.
