This move reflects a forward-looking approach to strengthen aviation capacity as demand in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region continues to rise.
City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra Ltd has appointed a joint venture of RITES Limited and Creative Group LLP to conduct a techno-commercial feasibility study for a proposed third runway at Navi Mumbai International Airport. The study is expected to be completed within 6 months.
The airport, inaugurated by Narendra Modi on October 8, 2025, began commercial operations on December 25, 2025. It serves as the second international airport in the region alongside Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.
To review the project, Vijay Singhal, Vice Chairman & Managing Director of CIDCO, held discussions with senior officials including Geetha Pillai, Bindhu Murlidharan, Anil Aswani, and Gurpreet Singh Shah.
“The NMIA has been envisioned as a world-class aviation hub to meet the long-term needs of the MMR. With air traffic expected to grow significantly in the coming decades, it is imperative to plan ahead. The appointment of the consultant for this feasibility study reflects CIDCO’s proactive approach towards future-ready infrastructure. The proposed third runway will be a crucial step in enhancing capacity, efficiency, and positioning NMIA as a key global gateway,” said Singhal.
NMIA is one of India’s largest greenfield airports, spread across 1,160 hectares. It is designed to handle 90 million passengers per annum (MPPA) and 3.2 million tonnes of cargo annually at full capacity. The airport will feature 2 parallel runways and 4 terminals, developed in phases.
With the MMR population exceeding 20 million, air traffic demand is projected to reach 150 MPPA by 2040, jointly managed by NMIA (90 MPPA) and CSMIA (60 MPPA). Long-term estimates suggest this could rise to 240 MPPA by 2047–2050.
While a third airport is planned at Vadhavan, CIDCO is exploring expansion at NMIA to meet future demand.
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