Mumbai: Construction work on the Loknete D.B. Patil International Airport in Panvel, under the Maval Lok Sabha constituency, is moving ahead at full speed. Once completed, this airport will be India’s first to feature seamless inter-terminal connectivity. The first terminal, capable of handling up to 20 million passengers per year, is scheduled to become operational on 1st September 2025. Initially, the airport will cater to domestic flights, confirmed Shiv Sena MP Shrirang Barne.
On Tuesday, MP Barne visited the Navi Mumbai International Airport site to assess progress. Adani Airports CEO Minal Naik and CIDCO Project Manager Geeta Pille shared detailed updates through a presentation. Several prominent Shiv Sena leaders also attended, including district president Ramdas Shevale, district chief Atul Bhagat, deputy district chief Vinod Sable, Panvel city chief Prathamesh Soman, Taluka chief Raghunath Patil, Uran Taluka chief Deepak Thakur, city chief Prasad Parab, Tukaram Sarkh, Sunil Gowari, Prasad Sonawane, deputy city chief Mahesh Sawant, liaison chief Mangesh Ranawade, Uran district women’s wing head Medhatai Damde, and other party dignitaries.
Barne emphasized that the international airport will serve as a crucial link between Pune and Mumbai, boosting regional connectivity. Designed to integrate with Metro Lines 1, 2, and 3, local train networks, water taxis, and even the future Mumbai–Hyderabad bullet train, this state-of-the-art airport will also connect directly with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.
Developed over 1,150 hectares, the airport follows a green, pollution-free model and will utilize underground pipeline systems (ASF) for refueling airplanes. Terminal One will kick off operations in September 2025 with a capacity of 2 crore passengers annually.
By 2029, Terminal Two will be complete, with nearly 80% of the overall work finished. The airport aims to reach full capacity by 2036, with four main terminals, a VIP terminal, a general aviation section for private jets, and the largest air cargo facility in India. Its 3.7 km runway will be equipped to handle large cargo jets and super-jumbo jets like the Airbus A380. Once fully operational, Navi Mumbai Airport is projected to surpass Mumbai’s existing airport in terms of both passenger and flight capacity.
“The airport’s work is progressing quickly. From September 2025, domestic flights will begin, and by 2029, international flights will be operational. The project integrates all transport modes — including metro, railways, bullet train, and water taxis — and aims to become one of the most significant airports in India. The Central Government and CIDCO are committed to providing all the support needed to complete this ambitious project.” — Shrirang Barne, MP, Maval Lok Sabha.
