In an exclusive preview, popular Bollywood filmmaker and vlogger Farah Khan has offered the world a first glimpse inside the highly anticipated Navi Mumbai International Airport. The new aviation hub, developed by the Adani Group, is set to become fully operational from Christmas, December 25, 2025.
A Vlog-Style Race to the Terminal
Farah Khan, known for her engaging celebrity home tours, turned her lens towards infrastructure this time. She kicked off her vlog with a playful challenge against her longtime cook, Dilip, as they raced separately to be the first YouTuber to showcase the new terminal. This light-hearted banter set the stage for a detailed exploration of the facility, which is being positioned not just as a transit point but as a holistic experience for travelers.
During her visit, Farah interacted with key figures behind the project, including Chintan Shukla, Vice President of Airport Planning and Design. He revealed the thoughtful integration of local culture, stating that the airport features eight unique art installations—four along the departure route and four along arrivals—solely dedicated to promoting indigenous art. "You won't get to see this anywhere. This is unique," Shukla emphasized.
Vision and Hospitality: The Adani Blueprint
The core vision for the airport was explained by Jeet Adani and his wife, Diva Adani. Jeet recounted the long journey, noting that the need for a second Mumbai airport was felt as early as the 1990s, with formal work beginning around 2016-17. The Adani Group took over in 2021, leading to its completion this year.
Diva Adani highlighted that the primary goal is to remove traveler anxiety. "With shopping and retail, we want people to feel at home—like they never left home," she said. Jeet Adani stressed the importance of warmth, noting that staff have been specially trained in hospitality to complement the physical infrastructure. The food and retail mix carefully blends global brands like Wagamama with local Indian options at outlets such as Gully Kitchen.
Innovative Features for Passenger Comfort
Farah's tour highlighted several passenger-centric innovations:
- Art with Purpose: Moving art installations made of traditional Paithani fabric are placed at high-anxiety points like security checks to calm and distract passengers while showcasing local artistry.
- Pranaam Service: A dedicated service for senior citizens that goes beyond wheelchair assistance, allowing them to shop, dine, and move around comfortably before their flight.
- Design Language: Areas like the security hold, cleverly named 'NAVIgate', incorporate smart wordplay and cultural themes.
When asked to compare the airport to a Bollywood film, Jeet Adani quipped about a story with struggle ending in joy, to which Farah instantly replied, "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham." Diva Adani, comparing it to an actress, said, "Definitely Kareena—good looks, good looks, good looks—like great F&B, great retail, and great customer service."
Located in Ulwe, Panvel taluka, the airport lies outside Mumbai's main suburban rail network. On its opening day, it will commence operations with 30 air traffic movements (arrivals and departures). Major carriers including IndiGo, Akasa Air, Air India Express, and Star Air will operate from the new facility, which boasts an iconic lotus-inspired terminal design.
This new gateway promises to redefine air travel for the Mumbai metropolitan region, blending global standards with a distinctly Indian soul.
