ULWE- Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMI) prepares for its inaugural aircraft landing on October 5, with Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi expected to witness the milestone event.
The airport aims to launch domestic operations in March 2025, followed by international flights in June 2025.
Navi Mumbai Airport Trial Flight
CIDCO’s newly appointed chairman, Sanjay Shirsat, conducted a site inspection on Tuesday. Accompanied by CIDCO vice chairman and managing director Vijay Singhal, along with Adani group officials, Shirsat evaluated the construction progress.
The Adani group, through Navi Mumbai International Airport Ltd, is spearheading the airport’s development, with CIDCO retaining a 25% stake.
Following the inspection, Shirsat informed the media about the project’s advancement. He confirmed that construction is proceeding as planned to meet established deadlines.
An Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft will perform the trial landing on October 5, marking a crucial step in the airport’s development.
Shirsat emphasized the significance of the trial landing, stating that necessary arrangements are underway with direct oversight from Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
Upon successful completion of the test landing, the airport will commence domestic operations in March 2025, followed by international flights starting in June.
Basic Tests Completed
The Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) project, a ₹16,700 crore investment, advances toward its March 2025 operational launch.
The Airport Authority of India (AAI) recently completed crucial Instrument Landing System (ILS) testing, calibrating flight paths to ensure operational readiness. This milestone paves the way for the development of instrument approach procedures, a critical step in the airport’s licensing process.
NMIA’s licensing hinges on additional tests and regulatory approvals to certify runway operability. These steps form part of a comprehensive strategy to guarantee the airport’s safety and efficiency before its grand opening.
Sanjay Shirsat, CIDCO chairman, highlighted NMIA’s transformative potential for Navi Mumbai. The airport will feature four interconnected terminals, accommodating 350 aircraft parking spaces. This expansive infrastructure aims to position NMIA as a major aviation hub in the region.
51% SBI Stake in NMIA
Adani-controlled Mumbai International Airport (MIAL) has pledged a 51% stake in Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIAL) to the State Bank of India (SBI). This strategic move secures a Rs 12,770 crore facility for the NMIAL project, marking a significant development in India’s airport infrastructure financing.
MIAL, which holds 74% of NMIAL’s total paid-up equity share capital, has taken this step to ensure the project’s financial stability. Adani Enterprises officials anticipate NMIAL’s operations to begin in the March quarter of FY25, reflecting a three-month delay from the initial launch date.
The Adani group achieved financial closure for NMIAL in March 2022 when SBI committed to underwrite the entire debt requirement of Rs 12,770 crore. This 51% pledged stake represents one of the largest in India’s airport business, underscoring the project’s scale and importance.
Previously, NMIAL had arranged Rs 8,645 crore financing with Yes Bank for Phase I of the project. However, Yes Bank unilaterally canceled this facility, necessitating the new arrangement with SBI.
Adani Airport Holdings Ltd (AAHL), which operates seven airports in India including Mumbai International Airport, faces financial challenges. MIAL reported a Rs 608 crore loss for FY23-24.
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Navi Mumbai Airport Performs First Calibration Flight, Launch in 2025 and More
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