• Source:JND
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Navi Mumbai Airport: The Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) has cleared a major hurdle on its path to operations with the grant of an Aerodrome Licence from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The approval was issued on Tuesday, just days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the facility on October 8.

Navi Mumbai Airport: Approval Clears Path For Operations

The licence formally allows NMIA to serve as a regular landing and departure point for all airlines, subject to the guidelines mentioned in its Aerodrome Manual. According to DGCA, the licence is non-transferable and may be suspended or amended if the airport violates provisions under the Aircraft Act, 1934, the Aircraft Rules, 1937, or other regulations.

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Airport officials welcomed the development, calling it a crucial step towards becoming fully operational. “This milestone brings us closer to opening our doors to passengers and businesses, creating new opportunities for regional and international travel,” they said in a statement.

Project Aims To Reduce Mumbai Airport Congestion

The Navi Mumbai project has been in the works for several years, designed to reduce pressure on Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, which is among the busiest in the country. Once open, NMIA is expected to boost connectivity across India and abroad, while also supporting cargo movement.

Navi Mumbai Airport: Capacity Targets In Phases

The first phase of the project is designed to handle around 20 million passengers annually, along with half a million metric tonnes of cargo. Airlines including IndiGo, Akasa Air and Air India Express have already confirmed initial services, linking Navi Mumbai with several domestic destinations.

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In its final form, NMIA is projected to manage 90 million passengers and 3.2 million metric tonnes of cargo every year. This will place it among the largest airports in the region and significantly strengthen the aviation network of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

Navi Mumbai Airport: Inaugural Flight Scheduled For October 8

With the DGCA licence secured, authorities say preparations are on track for the inaugural flight on 8 October. The event, to be attended by the Prime Minister, is expected to mark the beginning of operations at one of India’s most ambitious airport projects.