The much-awaited Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is set to open soon, and the Maharashtra government has announced that it will be renamed Loknete Dinkar Balu (D.B.) Patil International Airport. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed that the Centre has approved the name change.
D.B. Patil, a local farmer-leader, is remembered for negotiating rehabilitation and compensation for families affected by the city’s development. Naming the airport after him recognises his long-standing efforts, especially for the Agri and Koli communities, adding an important social significance to the airport’s launch.
About the airport:
NMIA spans 1,160 hectares and features a lotus-flower-inspired terminal design. Phase 1 of the terminal will have the capacity to handle around 20 million passengers per year and 0.8 million tonnes of cargo. Once fully operational, the airport is projected to scale up to 90 million passengers and over 3 million tonnes of cargo annually, making it one of Asia’s largest aviation centres.
Inauguration details:
The airport is scheduled to be inaugurated on October 8, 2025, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. NMIA will serve as the region’s second major airport, easing pressure on Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai and enabling faster cargo movement. New airline routes and ticket-sale windows are expected once slot allocations are finalised.
Connectivity and access:
The airport is located near several major highways and will eventually link with regional rail and metro networks. Travellers can also use taxis, app-based cabs, express buses, and shuttle services, which will be operational from opening day.
What’s next:
With the Centre’s approval and inauguration date announced, travellers should watch for the formal notification of the new name, updated airline schedules, and any local community updates. For frequent flyers and travellers in the region, the Loknete D.B. Patil Navi Mumbai International Airport represents a much-anticipated addition to India’s aviation infrastructure.
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