In a historic moment for Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), the first commercial flight validation test was conducted successfully on Sunday (December 29), marking a significant milestone in the airport’s journey toward becoming fully operational.
An IndiGo Airlines A320 aircraft touched down on the runway, greeted by a traditional water salute performed by two Crash Fire Tenders (CFT). This achievement was witnessed by senior officials from India’s aviation sector, including the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the Airports Authority of India (AAI), and other key agencies.
A Milestone for Global Aviation Standards
Speaking on the occasion, Arun Bansal, Chief Executive Officer of Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL), emphasised the importance of the successful validation flight.
“This is a momentous day for Navi Mumbai International Airport. The successful completion of the validation flight is a major milestone, and we are now one step closer to operationalising the airport, prioritising safety at every step. NMIA will not only offer world-class aviation facilities, it will also enable the overall development of the region,” said Arun Bansal.
The successful landing validated the Instrument Approach Procedures at NMIA, ensuring the synchronisation of critical aviation systems. This milestone paves the way for obtaining an aerodrome license from the DGCA, a crucial step toward operational readiness.
Technical Assessments and Global Publication
The validation flight also included a technical assessment of landing and take-off manoeuvres, ensuring compliance with international aviation standards. Following the DGCA’s review, NMIA’s flight procedures will be published in the Electronic Aeronautical Information Publication (eAIP), allowing global aviation stakeholders to access the data.
Advanced Preparations for Validation
Before the validation flight, NMIA successfully conducted:
- Flight calibration of the Instrument Landing System (ILS)
- Testing of the Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI)
- Drafting of Instrument Approach Procedures
These preparatory steps were crucial for the seamless execution of the validation flight.
On October 11, 2024, NMIA hosted the inaugural landing of an Indian Air Force C-295 aircraft, a large multi-role tactical airlifter. This marked another key milestone in the development of the Greenfield International Airport, which is scheduled to become operational in early 2025.
The operationalisation of NMIA is expected to revolutionise the region’s aviation infrastructure, offering world-class facilities and boosting regional development. With safety and efficiency at its core, NMIA is well on its way to becoming a hub for international travel, aligning with global aviation standards.
This monumental step reaffirms India’s commitment to enhancing its aviation network and infrastructure, with NMIA poised to play a pivotal role in the nation’s air connectivity.