The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will meet key stakeholders of Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIAL) on Tuesday to assess its operational preparedness for an aerodrome licence.
An aerodrome licence certifies that an airport meets all necessary safety, operational, and infrastructural standards for air transport operations. Attendees will include representatives from NMIAL, Adani Airport Holdings (AAHL), the City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra (CIDCO), and the Airports Authority of India (AAI). NMIAL is managed by a joint venture between AAHL and CIDCO.
Sources indicate that NMIAL’s initial licence application, submitted in December 2024, was rejected due to regulatory non-compliance. The certification is essential for the airport to begin commercial operations.
The airport has made significant progress, recently completing its first flight validation tests, including technical assessments, take off, and landing maneuvers. These tests, also known as proving flights, are crucial for demonstrating compliance with safety and operational standards. Data from the tests will be reviewed as part of the DGCA’s evaluation, a process that typically takes up to 90 days.
Despite multiple delays, CIDCO has maintained that the airport remains on track for commissioning in April.
