The upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is set to include a dedicated terminal catering exclusively to high-profile individuals, including film stars, business tycoons, and top government officials. According to a report in Hindustan Times, this facility is planned as part of the airport’s third-phase expansion, which will commence following the commercial inauguration of the airport, expected after May 15.
As per the official documents, the VVIP terminal is scheduled for development by 2030, with construction beginning in the financial year 2026. This terminal will accommodate central and state government officials, including chief ministers, deputy chief ministers, governors, and defence personnel.
Additionally, it will function as a general aviation terminal, catering to celebrities and high-net-worth individuals. The eligibility criteria for its use will be determined at a later stage. The terminal will also be accessible to the families of the airport’s promoters and will handle general aviation operations separately from the main airport terminals.
It may be noted that despite multiple inquiries, NMIA’s operator, Navi Mumbai International Airport Ltd (NMIAL), has not commented on the project. The Financial Express also reached out to Navi Mumbai Airport’s public relations’ team for a comment, but no response was received.
The HT report also added that, unlike Mumbai’s existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), which lacks a dedicated VVIP terminal, NMIA aims to provide an exclusive and secure space for dignitaries and high-profile travelers.
Managed by NMIAL—a collaboration between Adani Airport Holdings Ltd (AAHL) and the City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra (CIDCO)—the airport is expected to ease congestion at CSMIA by handling a significant portion of Mumbai’s air traffic.
Aviation authorities recently assessed the airport’s readiness, with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirming that 90% of the work was complete as of February 26. The airport operator has since applied for the mandatory operational permit.
Navi Mumbai Airport launch and amenities
The airport’s initial phase will include a terminal with a capacity of 20 million passengers annually, with expectations to handle approximately 9 million domestic and 3 million international travelers. A second terminal, with a capacity of 30 million passengers per year, is planned for completion by 2028.
Additionally, NMIA will feature a “Code E” taxiway connecting the runway to the VVIP, defence, and general aviation aprons. This taxiway will accommodate large aircraft, including Boeing 747s and Airbus A380s.
The third phase of expansion will also include the construction of the airport’s permanent Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower near Terminal 2. This facility will oversee air traffic, aircraft movements on the ground, and runway operations. An interim ATC tower will also be in place to serve as a backup in case of emergencies.
With these developments, NMIA is poised to become a state-of-the-art aviation hub, offering exclusive facilities for high-profile passengers while relieving congestion at Mumbai’s primary airport.
