The upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport isn’t just a transportation hub—it’s a symbol of innovation and cultural pride. Inspired by the lotus flower, the airport’s striking architecture features 12 sculptural “petal” columns and 17 hidden mega columns supporting a roof designed to resemble a blooming lotus. With a 3,700-metre runway equipped for the world’s largest aircraft, the design blends functionality with elegance, reflecting both India’s rich heritage and its technological progress.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) on October 8. This will become the second major airport serving the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, complementing the existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. NMIA received its aerodrome licence from the DGCA on September 30.
The new airport has been officially named Loknete D B Patil Navi Mumbai International Airport, with the IATA code ‘NMI’. It is named in honor of Dinkar Balu Patil (1926–2013)—better known as D B Patil, a respected lawyer, politician, farmers’ leader, and social activist from the Raigad region. Patil championed the rights of landowners and farmers in the Panvel area during land acquisition drives led by CIDCO, making him a deeply respected figure locally.
The twin‑airport model for Mumbai draws inspiration from global metropolises like Dubai (DXB‑DWC), London (Heathrow‑Gatwick), and New York (JFK‑Newark)—designed to balance passenger traffic and boost connectivity.
Key Features & Highlights
Location & Connectivity
- Accessible via Aamra Marg and NH 4B
- Enhanced connectivity via six‑lane Ulwe and Kharghar Coastal Roads (to be completed by 2026)
- Linked to Navi Mumbai Metro Line 1, Mumbai Metro Line 8 (Gold Line), and proposed Mumbai–Hyderabad High-Speed Rail
- Direct interchange with Taharghar Railway Station
Capacity & Expansion Plans
- Phase 1: 20 million passengers annually
- Phase 2: 90 million passengers
- Cargo: 0.8 million tonnes per year in Phase 1
- General Aviation Terminal: India’s largest, with over 67 aircraft stands and a dedicated heliport
- By end of 2025, business jets and turboprops from CSMIA will be relocated to NMIA
Runways & Design
- Two parallel runways planned (second to be built later)
- Inspired by the lotus flower:
• 12 sculptural “petal” columns
• 17 mega columns supporting the lotus‑shaped roof
• 3,700-metre runway suitable for large aircraft - Modern terminals and advanced air traffic control systems
Smart & Digital Features
- Fully 5G-enabled for high-speed operations
- Contact-free check-in with Digi Yatra—no manual ID or boarding pass checks
- Real-time baggage tracking, automated handling, robust Wi-Fi, cybersecurity, and IoT-based monitoring
- Smart traffic management systems and airport app for all stakeholders
Passenger Amenities & Comfort
- Children’s play zones in domestic departures
- Interactive digital tunnels and art installations celebrating Maharashtra’s heritage
- VIP lounges, transit day hotel (80 rooms)
- Services like baggage home delivery, repair & wrap services, meet & greet (Pranaam services)
- Special arrival‑forecourt area for family and visitors
Sustainability & Green Design
- Plans for 47 MW solar power in the final phase
- Rainwater harvesting, wastewater reuse, low-flow fixtures
- Use of electric vehicles, passive cooling via lotus pillar structure
- Eco-sensitive runway construction using the rockfill method
- Future Automated People Movers (APMs) in Phase 3
Overall, the Navi Mumbai International Airport is being built not just as a transport hub but as a symbol of Maharashtra’s heritage, forward-looking design, and environmental sensitivity. With its blend of culture, technology, and sustainability, NMIA is poised to offer travelers a truly world-class experience.