The iconic design of the airport is inspired by the lotus flower, symbolizing Indian heritage with a modern twist. The masterplan includes:

• Three interconnected passenger terminals
• Two parallel runways for simultaneous take-offs and landings
• An integrated ground transport hub
• Dedicated terminals for low-cost carriers and general aviation
• Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities
• State-of-the-art cargo handling areas

The architectural approach aims to combine operational efficiency with visual aesthetics while incorporating sustainability and smart infrastructure.

• Navi Mumbai International Airport is being developed and operated by Navi Mumbai International Airport Limited (NMIAL), a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) created specifically for this mega infrastructure project. The formation of an SPV allows for focused project execution, financial autonomy, and structured stakeholder participation. NMIAL operates under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, which has become a preferred approach for executing large-scale infrastructure projects in India due to its ability to balance efficiency with accountability.
• In terms of shareholding, Adani Airport Holdings Ltd owns a 74% majority stake in NMIAL, while the remaining 26% is held by CIDCO (City and Industrial Development Corporation), the nodal agency of the Maharashtra government. This strategic partnership brings together private sector capital, expertise, and operational experience through Adani Group, along with the regulatory support and local governance framework provided by CIDCO. The structure ensures that while the airport benefits from private investment and execution capabilities, public interests are safeguarded through continued government involvement.

NMIA is being developed as India's first fully multimodal airport. Its location and planning allow it to integrate with several existing and upcoming transportation networks, including:

• Road: Access via National Highway 4B, Sion-Panvel Expressway, and new feeder roads under construction
• Metro: Connectivity to Navi Mumbai Metro Line 1 and future extensions
• Rail: Proximity to Panvel railway station, future high-speed rail terminal planned
• Water Taxi: Jetty-based connections to Mumbai via water routes
• Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL): Direct road access to South Mumbai in under 30 minutes

This integrated connectivity makes NMIA unique among Indian airports and future-ready for large-scale operations.

The development is phased to scale with passenger and cargo demand.

The airport aims to reach its full potential between 2032 and 2036.

NMIA is expected to deliver significant benefits to the region:

• Decongestion of Mumbai Airport: Expected to offload nearly 50% of the passenger traffic from the current airport
• Job Creation: Estimated to generate over 400,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities
  
• Real Estate Boost: Property prices in Panvel, Ulwe, and surrounding areas have seen a 15-20% increase due to anticipated airport operations
• Economic Growth: Will foster development of ancillary industries such as hospitality, logistics, and tourism

The project will also enhance Maharashtra's competitiveness in global logistics and trade.

Navi Mumbai International Airport is being developed with an estimated investment of INR 17000 to 18000 crore, reflecting its status as one of India's largest greenfield aviation projects. To support the airport's Phase 1 construction, expansion across Adani's airport network, and refinancing of existing obligations, Adani Airport Holdings Ltd secured a substantial 750 million US dollars via External Commercial Borrowings from a consortium led by First Abu Dhabi Bank, Barclays, and Standard Chartered. Of this, approximately 400 million US dollars has been earmarked for refinancing identified debt, while the remainder is being directed toward capital expenditure, upgrading infrastructure, and enhancing capacity across its growing airport portfolio.

In line with its ambitious growth strategy, Adani Airport Holdings has announced plans to list its airport unit through an initial public offering by March 2027. This move is part of a broader capital deployment plan targeting 100 billion US dollars over the next five to six years. The proposed IPO is expected to fund ongoing and future infrastructure projects, including NMIA, and create a transparent mechanism for raising public capital aligned with its accelerated expansion strategy.

• Terminal buildings and runways are structurally complete
• DGCA inspections were conducted in Q1 2025
• Commercial flight operations are now targeted for launch in August to October 2025
• Cargo operations and water taxi services will begin shortly after the passenger terminals become functional

Despite its promise, NMIA has faced some challenges:

• Regulatory delays in approvals and construction clearances
• Need for timely completion of supporting infrastructure like coastal roads and metro lines
• Smooth transition of flight operations from Mumbai Airport to NMIA

Authorities are actively addressing these issues to ensure a seamless launch.

Navi Mumbai International Airport represents a bold step forward in India's infrastructure and aviation journey. Once operational, it will not only ease pressure on Mumbai's overburdened airport but also catalyze economic growth, urban development, and international connectivity. With its strategic location, iconic design, and multimodal integration, NMIA is poised to become one of the top airports in Asia.