As the anticipated commercial launch of Navi Mumbai airport approaches in March 2025, Adani Airport Holdings (AAHL) finds itself encountering resistance from major airlines, namely IndiGo and Air India, to relocate from Mumbai. Despite efforts, these airlines remain hesitant, citing concerns over transportation connectivity.
A year ago, AAHL had ambitious plans to shift at least one large carrier to Navi Mumbai, even offering prime slots as an incentive, as outlined in a presentation released in October 2022. However, the lack of interest from key players poses a significant challenge for the country’s largest airport operator.
Pieter Elbers, CEO of IndiGo, expressed at a recent event that the existing Mumbai airport continues to serve its purpose, emphasizing the need for strategic planning in coordinating operations between the two airports.
While AAHL engages in discussions with various airlines, the hurdle lies in convincing them to connect with Navi Mumbai airport, which, despite its larger and more modern facilities, currently faces limitations in transportation options to and from Mumbai city.
The Navi Mumbai airport, projected to have a capacity of 20 million passengers in Phase 1 with an investment of Rs 19,600 crores, is expected to handle its inaugural flight by the end of FY25. Until then, Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) will continue to grapple with congestion issues.
The lack of comprehensive transportation options to Navi Mumbai, with only road connectivity available currently, poses a significant challenge. Despite ongoing construction since August 2021, the 40-km metro line connecting Navi Mumbai to Mumbai airport is yet to commence, and multiple government agency clearances are still pending.
While Adani Group expresses confidence in receiving timely approvals, as of mid-January, 78% of the first of the two runways, measuring 3,700 meters, had been completed, with the remainder expected to be finished by the end of the year’s monsoon.
