The upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is set to introduce a dedicated VVIP terminal, exclusively designed for movie stars, billionaire businessmen, and high-ranking politicians. This facility is a part of NMIA's future expansion plans and is scheduled to commence construction in Fiscal Year 2026, with an expected completion by 2030.

This exclusive terminal will cater to central and state government officials, including governors, chief ministers, and defense personnel. Additionally, it will function as a general aviation terminal for celebrities and other distinguished individuals. An unnamed official stated that the eligibility criteria for accessing the terminal would be determined later, hinting at a highly selective policy.

The airport's promoters' families will also be able to use the VVIP terminal, which emphasises the airport's commitment to establishing itself as a hub for exclusive and private travel needs. The opening of this terminal is part of a broader global trend where major airports prioritise exclusivity and better amenities for famous travellers.

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Reportedly, NMIA's proposed building is a big development, since there isn't already a designated VVIP terminal at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA). Adani Airport Holdings Ltd. and the City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra (CIDCO) have partnered to run NMIA. After May 15, the airport is expected to open for business, which would be a significant turning point for Mumbai's aviation industry.

On February 26, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) assessed that NMIA is 90% complete. The operator has already applied for the mandatory clearance, signaling substantial progress toward operational readiness.

If reports are to go by, the NMIA is being developed to alleviate congestion at CSMIA, which currently operates with a single runway. Phase 1 of NMIA includes a terminal with a capacity to handle 20 million passengers annually, out of which 9 million will be domestic and 3 million international travelers. In its second phase, expected to be operational by the end of 2028, NMIA's capacity will increase to 30 million passengers per year. The third phase of development will include the construction of the VVIP terminal and a permanent air traffic control tower.

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The establishment of this special VVIP terminal at NMIA indicates a calculated step to draw in wealthy tourists and guarantee a smooth, hassle-free journey for privileged travellers. This move also highlights the rising need for upscale airport infrastructure in India, and will likely establish NMIA as a contemporary aviation centre.