The much-awaited Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is all set to open its doors to travellers. Amid this, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis has announced that the new airport will be named after the late Loknete Dinkar Balu (D.B.) Patil. For those who don’t know, Patil was a local farmer-leader. As per the state government, the Centre has approved the new name.
Why is the name so important?
The new name is important for several reasons. D.B. Patil is a known face in the Navi Mumbai region. He is known for negotiating rehabilitation and compensation for families whose land was taken during the city's development. For Agri and Koli communities, attaching Patil’s name to the airport is a recognition of the man’s long struggle. It is also a crucial social layer to the airport’s opening.
More about the airport
NMIA is spread across 1,160 hectares and has a unique lotus-flower-inspired terminal design. The terminal is being inaugurated under Phase 1. It has the capacity to handle around 20 million passengers per year. The airport can handle about 0.8 million tonnes of cargo. When completely done, the airport is projected to scale up to around 90 million passengers and over 3 million tonnes of cargo every year. It is slated to become Asia’s biggest aviation centre when completed.
About inauguration
As per official announcements, the airport will be inaugurated on October 8, 2025 by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This will be the second major airport in the region and will ease some pressure off the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai.
Expectations
NMIA’s grand opening is a promise to travellers to make their journey comfortable. Besides there are many benefits, including easing pressure off of Mumbai’s existing airport (CSMIA), and faster cargo movements, among others. Expect new route announcements and seat-sale windows from carriers once slot allocations are finalised.
How to reach NMIA
The airport is located in proximity to several prominent highways in the city. It will connect with regional rail and metro projects over time making commuting easier. Travellers should also check which surface links (taxi, app-based cabs, express buses and shuttle services) are operational on opening day.
What’s next?
Now that the Centre has approved the name change and announced an inauguration date, travellers should watch for a few things:
The formal notification on the airport’s official name
Airline schedule
Local community groups may continue to be vocal until the new name is official on documents. While for travellers and frequent flyers, the new Loknete D. B. Patil Navi Mumbai International Airport (as announced) is a much-awaited gift from the government.
Why is the name so important?
The new name is important for several reasons. D.B. Patil is a known face in the Navi Mumbai region. He is known for negotiating rehabilitation and compensation for families whose land was taken during the city's development. For Agri and Koli communities, attaching Patil’s name to the airport is a recognition of the man’s long struggle. It is also a crucial social layer to the airport’s opening.
More about the airport
NMIA is spread across 1,160 hectares and has a unique lotus-flower-inspired terminal design. The terminal is being inaugurated under Phase 1. It has the capacity to handle around 20 million passengers per year. The airport can handle about 0.8 million tonnes of cargo. When completely done, the airport is projected to scale up to around 90 million passengers and over 3 million tonnes of cargo every year. It is slated to become Asia’s biggest aviation centre when completed.
About inauguration
As per official announcements, the airport will be inaugurated on October 8, 2025 by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This will be the second major airport in the region and will ease some pressure off the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai.
Expectations
NMIA’s grand opening is a promise to travellers to make their journey comfortable. Besides there are many benefits, including easing pressure off of Mumbai’s existing airport (CSMIA), and faster cargo movements, among others. Expect new route announcements and seat-sale windows from carriers once slot allocations are finalised.
How to reach NMIA
The airport is located in proximity to several prominent highways in the city. It will connect with regional rail and metro projects over time making commuting easier. Travellers should also check which surface links (taxi, app-based cabs, express buses and shuttle services) are operational on opening day.
What’s next?
Now that the Centre has approved the name change and announced an inauguration date, travellers should watch for a few things:
The formal notification on the airport’s official name
Airline schedule
Local community groups may continue to be vocal until the new name is official on documents. While for travellers and frequent flyers, the new Loknete D. B. Patil Navi Mumbai International Airport (as announced) is a much-awaited gift from the government.
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