Union Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Friday (January 12) revealed that the Navi Mumbai international airport is set to commence operations between November and December of this year. 

Speaking at the inauguration of the AAR-Indamer Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility at the MIHAN SEZ in Nagpur, Scindia also outlined a visionary plan for the next decade, foreseeing at least 10 cities in India boasting two airports each.

Scindia also stated the historical significance of connecting Mumbai to Navi Mumbai and said, “The country had been awaiting this for the last 60 years, and today Prime Minister Narendra Modi is turning people’s dreams into reality.” He alluded to the impending inauguration of the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) by the Prime Minister later in the day.

“The Navi Mumbai international airport will start its operations in November or December this year. This airport’s first flight will land in November or December. The airport will pave the way for the big development of Navi Mumbai,” the Civil Aviation Minister said.

10 Indian cities to boast dual airports in the next decade

Looking ahead, Scindia shared an ambitious vision, stating, “Over the next 10 to 15 years, at least 10 cities in India will boast two airports each.” This strategic plan aligns with the government’s commitment to expanding air connectivity and infrastructure across the nation.

Scindia to inspect airports in Kolhapur

The aviation minister also conveyed his intention to inspect airports in Kolhapur, Pune, and Navi Mumbai later in the day and on Saturday. This proactive approach reflects the government’s dedication to ensuring the efficiency and readiness of aviation facilities across the region. 

The event also marked the inauguration of the AAR-Indamer MRO facility, a joint venture between AAR, a prominent MRO based in the USA, and Indamer Technics Private Limited. Scindia inaugurated this state-of-the-art facility, which aims to provide top-notch maintenance services to aircraft fleets operating in India and the surrounding region.

AAR-Indamer’s greenfield facility stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of AAR Corp and Indamer Aviation. Notably, Indamer Aviation holds the distinction of being India’s oldest and largest general aviation MRO, as stated in the company’s release.

This facility is set to play a pivotal role in elevating the standards of aircraft maintenance services, contributing significantly to the growth and efficiency of the aviation sector in the country.