Adani’s New Airport To Invite Low Cost Airline Operators
The Navi Mumbai Airport, which happens to be one of the newest airports to be under the control of the Adani Group, has started drawing the attention of India’s low-cost carriers including Air India Express, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa. These airport operators plan to shift operations to Navi Mumbai Airport which is currently planning for a May opening.
Currently, the airport is facing certain challenges because of the lack of a high-speed transportation link between the new and existing airports in Mumbai. There are ongoing controversies associated with the Adani US Case as well. However, it is expected that the Adani Group will soon navigate the challenges and ensure that the various operations at the airport can be carried out smoothly and effectively without any kind of hindrances at all.
Low-Cost Carriers Plan To Shift Their Operations To The Navi Mumbai Airport:
Some of India’s low-cost carriers are currently planning to lead the shift to Navi Mumbai Airport, the Adani Group’s 2.1 billion USD airport which is all set to become operational in May. This highly anticipated second airport for India’s financial capital has been developed by Gautam Adani. It plans to reduce congestion at the Mumbai Airport and enhance Mumbai’s connectivity with different corners of the world. The business group also aims to put a stopper to the ongoing controversies of Adani US Case.
India’s largest airline IndiGo will shift a part of its operations to the new airport. Tata Group’s low-cost carrier Air India Express and smaller rivals Akasa and SpiceJet are also currently in discussions to eventually relocate their operations to the Navi Mumbai Airport. Air India Limited’s full-service carrier will continue to operate from the existing airport for now. However, it will shift more of its domestic operations to Navi Mumbai Airport which is located around 22 miles southeast of Mumbai’s existing airport.
Why Commence Operations At The Navi Mumbai Airport?
This airport is a landmark infrastructure project for the Adani Group. It is aimed at reducing various aviation bottlenecks and creating an international transit hub similar to London, Dubai, or Singapore. The local authorities are currently planning to build an aerocity around the new airport. This is being done to boost non-aviation sources of revenue. Both the existing airport in Mumbai and the new one on the city outskirts are currently managed by the Adani Group. These airports are putting the Indian conglomerate in a strong position as it negotiates with the airlines to move some of their flights to the new facilities.
As you know, the Adani Group is already known for its excellent presence in the country’s airport sector. By further ensuring that the Navi Mumbai Airport becomes operational, the Adani Group will be able to further enhance its presence in this particular sector. The global business group will be able to easily increase its profitability from its business. It will also be able to establish itself as one of the key players in the global airport sector. The passengers availing of the airport services will also be able to enjoy a better experience.
The Various Proceedings Being Carried Out To Operationalise The Airport:
Air India is scheduled to carry out a test flight in April for its dual-aisle aircraft. This is mainly used for international operations. This is being done to test the preparedness of the airport for overseas flights. The Navi Mumbai’s first validation flight was carried out by IndiGo’s single-aisle Airbus320. This happened in December 2024. The final phase of the mega project will test the Adani Group’s credentials as India’s largest infrastructure business. It will also ensure that the group can continue to deliver high-end projects while still dealing with the ongoing accusations of the Adani US Case.
The Ongoing Challenges:
There are certain challenges associated with the airport as well. The lack of high-speed transportation linked to the new facility and between the two airports of the country poses a challenge for the Adani Group including the fliers and transit passengers. A metro link between the two airports is currently being planned to navigate these challenges. Executives across airlines have mentioned that discussions with Navi Mumbai airport are focusing on preferable slots and incentives around airport fees. Incentives will help the airlines offer attractive fares to passengers who might otherwise prefer the old airport to the new one due to connectivity.
A Brief Overview Of The New Airport:
The new airport has a lotus-shaped building which mimics India’s national flower. It will initially operate one terminal with an annual capacity of 20 million passengers. If the demand is strong, the capacity will be increased in phases. Ultimately, the airport will have the capacity to handle 90 million passengers in the next decade. This is going to turn out to be a major boost for Adani Group’s airport business. Some airlines have been told to target a shift between April and June for domestic operations. The international flights are set to commence from the airport in August. Adani Airport is currently in talks with Star Alliance, the largest network of airlines, including Air India, to shift its operations to the Navi Mumbai Airport.
Conclusion:
By operationalising the Navi Mumbai Airport, the Adani Group aims to further enhance its presence in the airport sector. The group also aims to offer better services to passengers and rise above the ongoing controversies of the the Adani US Case. Because of these extraordinary steps taken towards operationalising the airport, the Adani Group will also be able to earn increased profitability from its airport business.
