Navi Mumbai: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is set to meet with key stakeholders of the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) on Tuesday to evaluate its preparedness for securing an aerodrome licence. This certification is crucial for the airport to begin commercial operations, as it confirms compliance with stringent safety, operational, and infrastructural standards.

The meeting will bring together representatives from NMIAL, Adani Airport Holdings (AAHL), the City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra (CIDCO), and the Airports Authority of India (AAI). The NMIA is managed by NMIAL, a joint venture between AAHL and CIDCO.

According to a Financial Express report citing sources, the meeting comes after NMIAL's initial application for an aerodrome licence, submitted in December 2024, was rejected due to non-compliance with regulatory guidelines. The DGCA will now assess whether the necessary corrections and improvements have been made to ensure the airport meets all required standards.

An aerodrome licence is not merely a formality; it involves a rigorous evaluation of an airport’s infrastructure, safety protocols, and operational readiness. The certification process includes physical inspections, validation flights, and reviews of emergency response and maintenance procedures.

Noida International Airport Also To Be Reviewed

Meanwhile, Noida International Airport, managed by Yamuna International Airport (YIAPL), a subsidiary of Zurich Airport International AG, has also applied for an aerodrome licence. The DGCA is currently reviewing its application and both airports are now in a race to commence operations.

Both Navi Mumbai and Noida airports have successfully completed their first flight validation tests, a critical milestone in the licensing process. These tests, also known as proving flights, involve a series of technical evaluations, including takeoffs, landings, and safety drills. The DGCA will analyse the data from these tests to determine whether the airports meet the necessary operational and safety benchmarks.

How Long Does It Take To Get Aerodrome Licence After DGCA Visit?

The regulatory approval process for an aerodrome licence typically takes up to 90 days. During this period, the DGCA will conduct site inspections, review safety management systems and ensure compliance with international aviation standards.

Both airports have faced delays in commissioning. The Adani Group recently announced that the Navi Mumbai International Airport is scheduled to open in April, despite previous setbacks.

The launch of these airports is expected to remarkably ease congestion at existing air travel hubs and boost regional connectivity. NMIA’s first phase will handle over 20 million passengers annually, eventually scaling up to 90 million passengers and 2.5 million tonnes of cargo by 2032. Noida International Airport aims to serve 12 million passengers initially, with a capacity to accommodate up to 70 million passengers in the future.