Navi Mumbai And Noida Airports Set To Transform Indian Aviation Landscape But Will Low-Cost Terminals Follow The Growth Surge

Published on September 8, 2025

Navi Mumbai and Noida Airports are set to revolutionize India’s aviation sector, addressing the pressing need for additional capacity in overcrowded cities. With Mumbai and Delhi already operating at or near their full potential, these new airports will help alleviate the strain on existing infrastructure. However, while these developments are promising, the challenge lies in ensuring that affordable, low-cost terminals are also introduced to cater to budget-conscious travelers, ensuring growth benefits all sectors of air travel.

India’s aviation landscape is poised for a significant transformation as two of the country’s most prominent cities are set to open new airports soon. The Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) and the Noida International Airport will mark the completion of long-awaited projects that have been discussed for years. These developments are part of a larger trend where major cities worldwide have more than one airport to accommodate growing passenger demand and facilitate smoother operations.

Globally, cities with larger populations or economic significance typically have multiple airports. This trend is seen in cities such as New York, London, Paris, and Tokyo, where a variety of airports serve different regions or specific types of traffic. In the United States, for example, New York boasts John F. Kennedy International, LaGuardia, and Newark airports. Similarly, London operates multiple airports, including Heathrow, Gatwick, and Stansted. The trend is not only seen in the West but also in cities like Bangkok with its Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports, and Tokyo, which has Narita and Haneda. This expansion is a natural result of urban growth and increasing air traffic.

In India, Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport has been operating under significant pressure for years, handling over 55 million passengers in the past financial year—well beyond its designed capacity. On November 11, 2023, the airport became the world’s busiest single-runway airport, with over 1,000 air traffic movements in a single day. This situation highlights the urgent need for expansion, and the new Navi Mumbai International Airport is expected to help relieve some of this pressure.

Delhi, on the other hand, has not yet reached full capacity. The existing Indira Gandhi International Airport is expanding to meet future demands, with plans in place to ensure it can serve passengers for the next few years. However, the Noida International Airport, expected to open between October and November 2025, is being developed to accommodate traffic as Delhi’s primary airport approaches its limits. This foresight ensures that Noida International will be ready when needed, serving as an important addition to the region’s aviation infrastructure.

A similar story of demand and capacity issues played out in Goa, where the Manohar International Airport opened in 2023. Positioned as one of India’s first successful secondary airports, it has demonstrated the significant demand for such facilities in smaller regions. This airport, along with others in the pipeline, reflects a broader realization within the aviation industry that India’s air travel market has grown at a pace that few anticipated. Over the past 15 years, traffic growth has consistently exceeded expectations, leaving the sector scrambling to meet demand.

Looking ahead, several more cities in India may also soon benefit from additional airports. Bengaluru, for instance, is evaluating potential sites for two more airports, with the Karnataka government considering areas southwest of the city. Similarly, Tamil Nadu has plans to develop an airport in Hosur, an area just outside Bengaluru. Chennai is also gearing up for the construction of a second airport in Parandur, which has already received in-principle approval from the central government. Even Pune, which has been discussing a new airport for years, continues to move through various stages of land acquisition and approval processes.

Beyond these cities, there are also plans for a third airport in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, linked to the Vadhavan Port Project. These developments underscore the growing recognition that additional airports are essential for managing the increasing volume of passengers and ensuring smoother travel across the country.

In terms of design, India’s airports are evolving from functional transportation hubs to cultural gateways. Traditionally, airports in the country were designed with a focus on practicality, often characterized by sterile, glass-and-steel structures. However, newer terminals are incorporating local art and cultural elements. The T2 terminal at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, for example, was inspired by the peacock, India’s national bird, while Kochi International Airport reflects the unique architectural style of Kerala with its traditional roof designs.

The Navi Mumbai International Airport continues this trend by incorporating India’s national flower, the lotus, into its terminal design. This design philosophy highlights the growing recognition of airports as more than just transit points but as places where travelers can experience the local culture and identity of the region.

Despite these positive developments, the opening of new airports in India also raises concerns about user development fees (UDF). In many cities with multiple airports, new facilities tend to charge lower fees to attract passengers. However, in India, the charges at the upcoming airports in Navi Mumbai and Noida are expected to be significantly higher than those at older airports. This has led to questions about whether passengers will prefer to use the existing, more affordable airports instead.

Airport operators argue that the higher UDFs are temporary. In the early years, when passenger volumes are low, these fees will be necessary to cover operational costs. As traffic grows, the fees are expected to decrease. Moreover, unlike secondary airports in cities such as London and Bangkok, India’s new airports will offer more than just basic transit experiences. These airports are designed with modern amenities, comfort, and efficiency in mind, which will make them appealing to passengers despite the higher initial costs.

Despite the higher fees, the need for low-cost terminals in India remains critical. Unlike some other countries, India lacks a true low-cost airline model operating from secondary airports. For the aviation ecosystem to truly thrive, the development of affordable, no-frills terminals alongside these new international airports is essential. This will allow India to accommodate its rapidly growing passenger traffic while keeping costs in check for travelers.

India’s airport landscape is evolving rapidly, with multiple new airports set to open in the coming years. These developments will not only enhance the country’s infrastructure but also create opportunities for further economic growth and tourism. However, the success of these airports will depend on striking a balance between growth, affordability, and the cultural experiences they offer to travelers.