Navi Mumbai Airport Flights Begin, But Why Are Resettlement Promises Unmet?

The Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is now operational. IndiGo and other carriers began commercial flights on December 25, 2025. This launch is a major milestone for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). The new airport aims to ease congestion at Mumbai’s existing hub.

However, the excitement is overshadowed by long-standing NMIA resettlement issues. Over 3,500 households gave up land for the project. These Project-Affected Persons (PAPs) claim many promises remain unfulfilled. They sacrificed their ancestral homes and way of life.

The Rehabilitation Package and Land Allotment

The airport spans 2,268 hectares, with 1,161 hectares in the core zone. This land was acquired from ten villages. The City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) managed the acquisition. CIDCO is the state-run nodal agency for the project. The agency claims to have spent approximately Rs 2,000 crore on land acquisition and rehabilitation.

A key component of the CIDCO rehabilitation package was the 22.5 per cent developed land scheme. Landowners received developed plots equal to 22.5% of their acquired area. This land was allotted in planned urban nodes like Ulwe. The goal was to provide better living conditions.

Infrastructure and Civic Facility Lag

While land was allotted, PAPs complain about the new settlements. Residents in the Ulwe node cite poor Ulwe node infrastructure. Complaints include broken roads and overflowing drains. The dense, vertical settlements lack basic facilities. PAPs note the stark contrast with neighboring, better-developed areas. Activists say property values are now starting to fall. The contrast shows the challenge of rapid urban transformation.

Unfulfilled Economic Assurances

Two major economic assurances remain unaddressed. These are the unfulfilled job promises and the allotment of shares.

Shares in the Airport Company

PAPs were reportedly assured 100 shares for each affected family. The airport is developed and operated by Navi Mumbai International Airport Ltd (NMIAL). NMIAL is a joint venture between Adani Airports Holdings Ltd (74%) and CIDCO (26%). PAPs state that no shares have been allotted to date. CIDCO has not provided clarity on the share distribution status.

Vocational Training and Employment

Employment was another crucial promise linked to land acquisition. The fully operational airport is expected to generate over one lakh jobs. The state government promised vocational training for PAP children. This training would help them qualify for skilled aviation roles.

However, training was significantly delayed. CIDCO only announced a vocational program in March 2025. The listed courses include Airline Baggage Handler and Airport Terminal Operations Manager. Only the Customer Service Executive course has started. Even the 30 students in this course have yet to receive their certificates. Activists argue that the delay prevented PAP children from securing skilled jobs. Repeated agitations led to some local residents getting unskilled airport work.

Industry and Regulatory View

The launch of NMIA is a critical step for Indian aviation. It establishes a multi-airport system for the MMR. The airport's digital infrastructure includes 5G-enabled systems. Cargo operations also began alongside passenger flights. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) oversees all operational readiness.

CIDCO officials acknowledge the ongoing nature of the process. They state that all issues pertaining to PAPs will be addressed. For the aviation industry, social stability is crucial for long-term growth. Unresolved resettlement issues pose a risk to the project's reputation. This story highlights the complex trade-offs in large-scale infrastructure projects. For more commercial aviation news, visit flying.flights.