PM Modi to Launch New Airport, Arriving on Boeing 777 ‘India One’

NAVI MUMBAI- On October 8, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive at Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), utilizing the VVIP aircraft ‘India One’ (IATA: AI1) to inaugurate the long-anticipated airport. This occasion marks a historic moment as it signifies the first official landing of a widebody aircraft at NMIA (IATA: NMI), setting the stage for its eventual public debut.

The Boeing 777 known as ‘India One,’ dedicated for VVIP transport, successfully completed a trial landing at NMIA earlier this week. Piloted by Indian Air Force personnel, this test run confirmed the airport’s ability to accommodate widebody jets ahead of the significant inauguration.

PM Modi to Inaugurate Navi Mumbai Airport

Navi Mumbai International Airport Ltd. (NMIAL) obtained its aerodrome license from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on October 1, marking a key milestone in its opening process. This clearance was the final hurdle before welcoming the public after years of delays, extensive deadline extensions, and rigorous site developments.

During the inauguration, the Prime Minister is also expected to unveil various development projects and participate in a fintech event in Mumbai. His direct arrival at NMIA highlights the airport’s capability to efficiently handle large-capacity, high-security aircraft right from its inaugural day.

The successful operational exercise with ‘India One’ verified NMIA’s readiness for widebody aircraft operations. The VVIP Boeing 777 landed around 10:30 am and departed for Delhi at 2:00 pm after fulfilling all necessary safety and handling requirements.

This represents NMIA’s first widebody landing, following a prior test flight conducted by IndiGo (6E) with an Airbus A320 in December of last year.

Designed to accommodate Code E aircraft with wingspans ranging from 52 to 65 meters, NMIA is fully equipped to handle Boeing 777s and similar aircraft models.

Adani Group’s Role

The Adani Group, which has a major stake in NMIAL, is leading this project alongside the City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra (CIDCO). Earlier this week, Gautam Adani took a personal tour of the airport’s development, arriving in his private jet for a site walkthrough.

During his visit, Adani expressed the project’s significance, calling NMIA a testament to the “spirit of Bharat.” He acknowledged the contributions of thousands of workers involved in realizing this airport, framing it as both a remarkable engineering feat and a symbol of India’s advancement.

Initiated in February 2018, the ground-breaking ceremony was performed by PM Modi, with the project budget set at ₹16,700 crore. NMIA will alleviate congestion at the busy Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM).

The development consists of five phases, with the first phase expected to accommodate 20 million passengers annually, as well as 0.5 million metric tons of cargo. Eventually, NMIA aims to support up to 90 million passengers and 3.2 million metric tons of cargo each year, positioning it among India’s key aviation centers.

Named After DB Patil

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced that Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMI) will be officially named Loknete DB Patil Navi Mumbai International Airport. This decision meets a long-held demand from the residents of Navi Mumbai and surrounding areas.

Fadnavis confirmed that the Maharashtra State Cabinet and both Houses of the Legislature have approved the proposal, which was also presented to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who responded favorably.

The Maharashtra government stated that this renaming decision carries full state approval, although the Central Government is in the process of structuring a comprehensive renaming policy for major infrastructure projects, including airports.

The Chief Minister described this decision as a “moment of justice,” underscoring its respect for public sentiment and acknowledgment of Loknete DB Patil’s contributions. Well-regarded for his advocacy of farmers’ rights and community development, Patil significantly influenced the growth of Navi Mumbai.

Local leaders have long campaigned for this recognition. With this naming, the airport’s identity will now reflect the city’s grassroots history, marking a symbolic achievement.

In advance of the name change, Fadnavis announced that all police cases linked to protests advocating for the airport to be named after Loknete DB Patil will be dropped. This action aims to ensure local youth aren’t hindered by previous records when seeking employment.

Moreover, cases initiated during COVID-19 associated with such protests will also be addressed through appropriate legal channels, providing resolution for affected families.

Additionally, two more airports in Maharashtra are slated for renaming: Pune Airport (PNQ) will honor Jagadguru Sant Tukaram, while Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Airport (IXU) will be named after Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. Official confirmations for both changes are anticipated shortly.