Navi Mumbai’s Long-Awaited International Airport Inches Closer to Operation
Navi Mumbai’s much-anticipated international airport took a significant step towards becoming operational last weekend after a private jet from Ahmedabad made history as the first aircraft to officially land at the new greenfield facility.
The aircraft, operating under a Non-Scheduled Operator Permit (charter), touched down at 10:20 am on Saturday, September 20, before departing past noon the following day. This marked the runway’s first passenger flight operation at the airport.
A video showing the private aircraft landing went viral, catching the attention of aviation enthusiasts and industry insiders alike.
Previous Trial Runs and Current Milestone
While the airport has seen several trial runs prior to this event—including an IndiGo Airbus A320 validation flight in December 2024 to test navigation systems, and an Indian Air Force Airbus C-295’s symbolic touchdown last October without ground-based aids—this charter flight is being hailed as a key milestone. It is the first to involve an actual passenger charter service, signaling progress towards full operational status.
Airport Authority Approvals and Runway Availability
According to reports, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) granted approval for a non-scheduled passenger aircraft landing at Navi Mumbai on September 19. To facilitate this historic operation, AAI revised its previous Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), which had declared the runway closed until midnight on September 20.
The updated notification allowed the runway to remain open from 8:30 am to 11:00 am on Saturday, and again for three hours on Sunday, as reported by the Times of India.
Flight Details
The jet, a Pilatus PC-24 bearing registration VT-APV, departed Ahmedabad at 9:00 am. It flew over the Gulf of Khambhat and the Arabian Sea before entering Mumbai airspace south of the city’s busy international airport. The aircraft then approached Navi Mumbai, circled south of the new facility, and executed a smooth landing on runway 28 at 10:20 am.
It later departed back to Ahmedabad at 12:40 pm on Sunday, returning via a land route, according to the report.
Plane Spotter Captures Historic Touchdown
Plane spotter Sandeep Pilania recorded the moment on video, which quickly circulated on social media through aviation handle @hiravaero, generating excitement among aviation fans and industry experts alike.
Looking Ahead: Scheduled Commercial Services
Despite this milestone, the airport’s most crucial event is still ahead—the launch of the first scheduled commercial airline service carrying fare-paying passengers. This will mark the official commissioning of Navi Mumbai International Airport and play a vital role in reducing congestion at Mumbai’s over-capacity Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the airport and its terminal building on September 30. Following the inauguration, security clearances and operational procedures will continue over the next few months, with the first commercial flights anticipated soon thereafter.
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