More than 1,500 drones illuminated the night sky on Wednesday as part of a grand celebration marking the upcoming launch of Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), officials said.
The large-scale drone show was organised a day before the airport begins commercial operations. The synchronised display featured striking 3D visuals, including blooming lotuses, the airport’s logo and an aircraft flying over the Mumbai skyline. The performance highlighted themes of sustainability, a “Green Airport,” and India’s growth story.
The event was witnessed by NMIA employees, local young sportspersons and specially-abled guests at the airport site.
Navi Mumbai International Airport Limited (NMIAL), which is developing and operating the project, is a joint venture between Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL) and the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO). AAHL holds a 74% stake, while CIDCO owns the remaining 26%.
Spread over 1,160 hectares, the airport has been built to ease air traffic congestion in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. In its initial phase, NMIA will have the capacity to handle 20 million passengers and 0.5 million metric tonnes of cargo annually. Once fully completed, it will be capable of serving 90 million passengers per year with two parallel runways and modern cargo facilities.
The terminal design is inspired by the lotus, India’s national flower, and the greenfield airport focuses on sustainability through eco-friendly construction and the use of renewable energy.