An IndiGo A320 aircraft operated a "successful" validation flight to Navi Mumbai International airport on Sunday, becoming the first commercial airliner to touch down on the new runway. The airport will begin operations from May next year, starting with domestic flights.
"The domestic airlines will likely split operations between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai," said Adani Airport Holdings Ltd. CEO Arun Bansal, adding that the airport authority is also in talks with international airlines to ensure availability.
"This airport will have all modern amenities from Day 1," he added.
"We expect to complete the key construction work and operationalisation of terminal 1 by April 17," according to Vijay Singhal, Managing Director, City And Industrial Development Corporation Of Maharashtra Ltd. "There are four terminals in the pipeline. Will be starting domestic flights first."
International flights are expected to commence in 5-6 months afterward, Singhal said.
Plans are underway to construct a 32-kilometer metro line connecting Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport to NMIA. Proposals for this project are being made now, he said, adding that the new line will link with all other major metro lines.
IndiGo's A320 aircraft was welcomed with water canon salute by two crash fire tenders of NMIA, a traditional ceremonial gesture to mark new beginnings. The "validation landing" is part of the "Aerodrome Certification" process, which is essential to operate the airport. The process evaluates an airport for safety and efficiency. If no anomalies are found, this would also be the final trial before the airport is commissioned.
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