Inside Navi Mumbai International Airport with Farah Khan and Dilip, share its opening date and what’s new

After the playful introduction, Farah interacted with Chintan Shukla, Vice President – Airport Planning and Design, who shared insights into the airport’s planning and design philosophy.

Moving art to promote local art and culture. (Photo: Farah Khan/YouTube)

Talking about the art installations, Chintan said, “We have eight art installations here—four along the departure journey and four along the arrival journey.” He explained that the idea was to solely promote local art, adding, “You won’t get to see this anywhere. This is unique.”

Impressed by the installations, Farah remarked, “This is so beautiful. You would not have seen such an art installation anywhere in the world.”

Farah then moved to the security hold area, aptly named NAVIgate, a clever pun that reflects the airport’s design language.

Pranaam Seva for senior citizens. (Photo: Farah Khan/YouTube)

“They’ve used smart wordplay here, and this art installation promotes Maharashtrian culture and art,” she noted.

Showcasing another installation, Farah explained, “The ribbons you see here dance to the music being played. They are made of Paithani fabric.”

She also highlighted the airport’s Pranaam service, designed especially for senior citizens.

Paithani fabric ribbons. (Photo: Farah Khan/YouTube)

“Earlier, with just wheelchairs, senior citizens were taken straight to the plane. But with the Pranaam service, they can shop, dine at restaurants, and move around comfortably,” she said.

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Farah later interacted with Jeet Adani and Diva Adani to understand the vision behind the airport. The trio then headed to Gully Kitchen, where Jeet elaborated on the journey of the project.

“There was a thought in Mumbai as early as the 1990s that a second airport was needed. The project formally began around 2016–17. We took over in 2021, and in 2025, it is finally complete,” Jeet shared.

Jeet Adani keeps a mix of global and Indian brands. (Photo: Farah Khan/YouTube)

Diva added, “For us, the main role of an airport is to remove anxiety for travellers. With shopping and retail, we want people to feel at home—like they never left home.”

Highlighting the importance of service, Jeet said, “No matter how beautiful an airport looks, what’s often missing is warmth and hospitality. That’s why we’ve proactively ensured that staff are specially trained in hospitality.”

Talking about the food and retail mix, he added, “We wanted a blend of Indian and global brands. That’s why you’ll find places like Wagamama, along with desi breakfast options at Gully Kitchen.”

Jeet also spoke about the strategically placed moving art installations.

Boarding gate at Navi Mumbai Airport. (Photo: Farah Khan/YouTube)

“We’ve placed these artworks at points where traveller anxiety is the highest, especially near security checks. The idea is to distract and calm passengers, while also giving local Indian artists a platform.”

When asked to compare the airport to a film, Jeet joked, “Is there a film that has a lot of dukh but ends with sukh?” Farah instantly replied, “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham.”

Taking the conversation further, Farah asked, “Can we buy tickets just to enter the airport and enjoy these spaces without flying?” Jeet laughed and replied, “We should start that.”

When asked to compare the airport to an actress, Diva quipped, “Definitely Kareena—good looks, good looks, good looks—like great F&B, great retail, and great customer service.”

Located at Ulwe in Panvel taluka, the Navi Mumbai International Airport lies outside Mumbai’s main suburban rail line. According to the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO), the implementing agency for the project, the airport will begin operations with 30 air traffic movements (arrivals and departures) on its first day.

The airport features an iconic lotus-inspired terminal design. On the opening day, flights from major carriers including IndiGo, Akasa Air, Air India Express, and Star Air will arrive and depart from the new facility.