Lotus-inspired Navi Mumbai International Airport is set to be a sustainable aviation hub

Aiming for December 2024 launch, the airport promises enhanced connectivity and tourism boost for Maharashtra

Navi Mumbai is getting a new international airport managed by Adani Airports. According to NDTV, it is designed for energy efficiency and environmental sustainability, with electric vehicles and solar power usage. The terminal’s design is inspired by India’s national flower, the lotus. The airport will be completed in four phases, with the first two by December 2024. 

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Devendra Fadnavis inspected the site and emphasised its significance for Maharashtra and India. Challenges include dealing with tall hills, rocks, and rerouting the Ulwe river. The airport will be less than 40 km from Mumbai and connected by the Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link.

According to the Times of India, the long-awaited airport is set to enhance aerial connectivity for the mega-city. The project is on schedule, according to billionaire Gautam Adani, who considers it a key project for the Adani Group. 

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Operational readiness and airport transition (ORAT) are underway, with the airport aiming for a December 2024 launch. ORAT is a process that ensures the successful transition of a new airport from construction to operation, involving early engagement with airlines and other stakeholders. The airport’s capacity has been expanded to accommodate up to nine crore passengers and increased cargo handling capacity by 2032.

This airport, as noted by Skift, is set to assist in the reviving of the tourism industry hit by the pandemic alongside the launch of the “Incredible India 3.0” campaign, prioritisation of key markets (U.S., UK, etc.), aiding the aviation sector, establishing a tourism fund with favourable loan terms, targeting high-value tourists, promoting virtual tours, utilising heritage sites, and attracting big-ticket events. 

This follows the successful “Incredible India” and “Incredible India 2.0” campaigns. Sarovar Hotels opens Citadel Sarovar Portico in Bengaluru, while Turkey sees an 88.03 percent rise in Indian travellers, aiming to attract more. CleverTap study shows high Indian engagement with travel apps. Ananda in the Himalayas introduces wellness programs abroad. Generation Z and millennials prioritise affordable travel.

The Property Report editors wrote this article. For more information, email: [email protected].