Navi Mumbai Airport Opens: How It Will Ease Mumbai's Air Traffic Congestion

• Mumbai airport is one of India's busiest, often exceeding its single-runway capacity of 44 flights/hour, leading to congestion and safety concerns.
• Navi Mumbai airport is set to open for passenger operations on December 25, aiming to alleviate the severe pressure on Mumbai's existing hub.
• Initially, only a limited number of flights, primarily during peak hours, will shift to Navi Mumbai, with most operations remaining at Mumbai airport.
• The same company managing both airports plans to balance air traffic, potentially by spreading airline schedules and introducing new routes from Navi Mumbai.
• Navi Mumbai airport's expansion (Phases 3 & 4 combined) aims for 50 million passengers by 2030, while Mumbai's Terminal 1 will be rebuilt post-Navi Mumbai's next terminal completion.

Why It Matters: Navi Mumbai airport's opening is crucial to decongest Mumbai's skies and boost regional connectivity.