The Navi Mumbai airport is projected to manage approximately 50,000 passengers per day by December, a significant increase from the current daily count of around 19,000 to 20,000. Presently, the airport exclusively handles domestic travelers, but international flight operations are anticipated to commence by June or July. Consequently, the December forecast encompasses both domestic and international passengers.
Rise in Air Traffic Movements
Air traffic movements (ATMs) are expected to escalate to 350 takeoffs and landings per day by the end of the year. Currently, the airport manages about 150 flights daily, as stated by a senior official from Navi Mumbai International Airport. Speaking at 'Airport360', an aviation exposition held in Mumbai on Thursday, the official noted that the West Asia conflict has delayed the start of international operations, which were originally scheduled for April. The demand for domestic flights is steadily increasing, with airlines reporting nearly 73% passenger loads in March, typically a lean travel month.
Airline Network Adjustments
Airlines are restructuring their networks to optimize the use of available slots, and spillover traffic from Mumbai is supporting growth at the new airport, the official added.
Metro Connectivity Plans
Regarding connectivity to the new airport, the official revealed that the plan for Metro Line 8—a 35-kilometer high-speed corridor linking the existing Mumbai airport with Navi Mumbai airport—is currently in the tendering stage. "Once the tender is in the public domain, the metro should be ready in about four years. It will be built in two phases: the easier part from Mankhurd to Navi Mumbai airport will be completed first and opened, followed by the underground work in the second phase connecting from Mankhurd to Mumbai airport," he explained.
Industry Outlook
Earlier in the day, Dr. Sharad Kumar, chief advisor of the Airports Authority of India, delivered the opening address, stating that India's aviation sector is entering a defining phase where growth must be supported by clear strategic choices.
