India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA). Prime Minister Modi said: “The Navi Mumbai International Airport is a project that exemplifies the vision of India in the 21st century. Its design resembles a lotus flower, making it a living symbol of culture and prosperity. This airport will connect Maharashtra’s businesses directly with international markets and reduce logistical costs, attracting new industries and investment. It will play a major role in establishing the region as Asia’s biggest connectivity hub.”

The Prime Minister toured the new NMIA passenger terminal along with Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, MoS Murlidhar Mohol, and Adani Airports Director Jeet Adani.

Designed with future capacity to exceed many of the world’s leading aviation hubs such as Singapore’s Changi and London’s Heathrow airports, NMIA has been developed as a landmark public–private partnership between Adani Airport Holdings Ltd. (AAHL) and the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO).

Describing NMIA as a milestone in India’s economic development, Gautam Adani, Chairman of Adani Group, said the airport was more than just infrastructure — it is a testament to the country’s growing confidence and ambition.

“We have architected Bharat as a gateway and as one of the world’s most indispensable crossroads,” said Adani. “This is infrastructure that does not just serve today’s demand, it creates tomorrow’s exponential possibilities. Every flight through these terminals will carry not just passengers, but also the dreams and achievements of an ambitious nation at the centre of global progress.”

Highlighting the technological and sustainability vision behind NMIA, Jeet Adani, Director, Adani Airport Holdings Ltd., said the airport represents a new benchmark for India’s aviation infrastructure.

“NMIA is a landmark in India’s aviation journey, uniting cutting-edge technology, sustainability, and a passenger-first experience,” said Jeet Adani. “By complementing CSMIA, it reinforces Mumbai’s role as a global aviation hub and sets a blueprint for future-ready airports nationwide.”

With an initial capacity of 20 million passengers per annum (MPPA), NMIA will scale up to 90 MPPA, making it India’s largest aviation hub. The airport’s planned multimodal connectivity — linking the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, Navi Mumbai and Mumbai Metro, suburban rail, and ferries— will significantly enhance regional accessibility, reduce travel time, and strengthen economic development across western India.

Designed by ZHA to meet the region’s record growth in demand for air transport and passenger travel, the organic forms of NMIA’s terminal are informed by Lotus blossom, the national flower of India which is prominent throughout the country’s ancient art, architecture and literature. ZHA’s design integrates cultural tradition and sustainability, creating an architectural gateway that mirrors India’s global aspirations.

Now serving domestic passengers, NMIA will begin international services in December. In its first two phases, NMIA will operate a single runway and terminal, expanding over time to four runways, multiple terminals, and a dedicated cargo complex.