PM Modi arrived on a C-130J Super Hercules, a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft used by the Indian Air Force for a variety of operations, ranging from tactical airlifts to humanitarian assistance. The C-130J, known for its reliability and maneuverability, was chosen for this landmark event to demonstrate the runway’s capabilities in handling heavy-duty military aircraft. Accompanying the C-130J, a Sukhoi Su-30, a twin-engine super maneuverable fighter aircraft, also performed a landing during the event, further showcasing the airport’s infrastructure.
The Prime Minister’s arrival marked a new chapter for the Navi Mumbai International Airport, which has been under development for years and is set to begin domestic flight operations by March 2025, followed by international flights in June 2025. His presence at this historic moment underlined the importance of NMIA as a national infrastructure project, which is expected to ease congestion at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and boost the regional economy.
The successful landing of both military aircraft is a testament to the runway’s robustness and paves the way for future commercial and cargo operations. This event brings the vision of the NMIA closer to reality, with the airport set to revolutionize connectivity in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) and beyond.
4o