**Navi Mumbai to Host India’s First Fully Digital Airport**
India is set to welcome its first fully digital airport with the upcoming inauguration of the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA). Scheduled to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 8, the airport is expected to commence commercial flights by December 2025, following necessary security clearances and system testing.
**Advanced Automated Features for Travelers**
In a recent media interaction, Arun Bansal, CEO of Adani Airports Holdings Ltd, showcased an array of automated, passenger-friendly features designed to enhance the travel experience. Passengers will have the convenience of pre-booking parking slots, completing online check-in, baggage drop, and even immigration processing digitally.
Innovative services like virtual queuing and real-time wait-time monitors will allow travelers to track queues and head directly to security checkpoints when their slot arrives, minimizing wait times and streamlining movement through the airport.
**Operational Details and Future Expansion Plans**
Phase I of NMIA’s operations will run daily from 8 am to 8 pm, initially supporting 8 to 10 aircraft movements per hour. As demand grows, officials plan to increase both the number of flights and potentially extend operating hours.
Bansal also revealed that the airport aims for approximately 40% international traffic at launch, with plans to scale up to nearly 75% to meet global hub standards over time.
**Future-Proof Design and Sustainability Initiatives**
The airport has been developed as a resilient and future-ready project. Key features include:
– Elevated 8.5 meters above flood levels to mitigate flooding risks
– Robust design to withstand extreme weather conditions and bird strikes
– Partial power generation via a 47 MW solar plant
– Use of electric vehicles across the airport campus
– Rainwater harvesting and wastewater reuse systems
– Automated people movers connecting the four terminals
Currently, only Terminal 1 will be operational at launch. Mumbai’s existing Terminal 1 will continue functioning until at least 2029, with its demolition planned to coincide with the completion of NMIA’s second terminal.
**Infrastructure Enhancements and Connectivity**
To manage expected passenger traffic and ease congestion, supporting infrastructure is already being prepared. Notably, there will be a ban on heavy vehicles in Navi Mumbai on October 8 from 6 am to 10 pm to facilitate smooth traffic flow during the inauguration.
Connectivity to the airport is also set to improve, with the Targhar railway station—located adjacent to NMIA—nearing completion. Services from Belapur, Seawoods, and Nerul stations are anticipated to commence soon.
**Economic Impact**
The new airport is expected to generate over 200,000 direct and indirect jobs, significantly boosting the economic growth prospects of the Navi Mumbai region.
—
For exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai and surrounding regions, visit: [https://budgetproperties.in/](https://budgetproperties.in/)
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/navi-mumbais-fully-digital-international-airport-set-for-october-8-inauguration-by-pm-modi-flights-to-commence-in-december