The Readiness Behind Navi Mumbai International Airport’s Day-One Take-off As Navi Mumbai International Airport prepares to commence operations on December 25, a globally recognised readiness programme—Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT)—is ensuring that India’s newest greenfield airport opens safely, smoothly and with confidence from day one. Here’s why ORAT matters. Navi Mumbai, 20 December 2025: When people think of a new airport opening, they picture gleaming terminals, wide runways and the first passengers stepping inside. What they rarely see is the months of preparation required to ensure that every system, process and person works together seamlessly from the very first flight. That preparation is called Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT). Simply put, ORAT is the structured programme that makes an airport “ready to operate.” It ensures that infrastructure, technology, staff and procedures are tested under real-world conditions before commercial operations begin. The goal is simple but critical: a safe, coordinated and disruption-free opening. At Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA)—one of India’s largest greenfield aviation projects—ORAT has played a central role in preparing the airport for live operations starting December 25. Building Confidence Before the First Passenger Arrives ORAT follows a globally established, multi-phase methodology focused on planning, training, testing and refinement. It begins with a detailed mapping of every stakeholder involved in airport operations—airlines, security agencies, air traffic control, ground handlers, emergency services, retail teams and airport staff. From there, operational processes are documented, responsibilities are clearly defined, and teams are trained on new layouts, technologies and passenger flows. The emphasis is not just on systems, but on people—ensuring that every individual knows their role and can perform it confidently under live conditions. The objective is simple: by the time the airport opens, the first operational day should feel routine, not experimental. The Airport’s Full Dress Rehearsal The most visible element of ORAT is the series of live operational trials—often described as the airport’s full-dress rehearsals. During these trials, NMIA has simulated real passenger journeys using staff and volunteers acting as travellers. With mock boarding passes and baggage, teams test check-in counters, security screening, boarding gates, baggage handling systems and emergency responses at near-peak loads. These simulations deliberately introduce everyday challenges: misplaced documents, passengers requiring assistance, oversized baggage, delayed flights or congestion at security. Each scenario helps teams identify gaps, refine processes and strengthen coordination. Technology is tested just as rigorously. For a digitally enabled airport like NMIA—where automation, real-time monitoring and integrated systems are core to operations—ORAT ensures that all platforms communicate seamlessly and perform reliably under pressure. What ORAT Delivers on Day One By the time NMIA opens for commercial operations on December 25, ORAT ensures that: The terminal, runway and core systems are fully operational and tested Staff across all agencies are trained, aligned and confident Coordination between airlines, security forces, air traffic control and ground services is seamless Passenger-facing systems—from check-in to baggage delivery—work reliably under live conditions Operational risks and surprises are minimised, even during peak movements In short, ORAT transforms infrastructure into a functioning airport ecosystem. Setting a New Benchmark NMIA is the first airport in Adani Airport Holdings Limited’s network where the ORAT programme has been implemented comprehensively ahead of commercial operations at this scale. The process has been supported by global aviation readiness experts, ensuring alignment with international best practices. As NMIA opens its doors, it does so not just as a new airport, but as an operationally ready one—with systems tested, people prepared and processes proven. For passengers, this preparation will be invisible. But they will feel it in smoother journeys, clearer processes and a calmer airport experience from day one. About Navi Mumbai International Airport Limited Navi Mumbai International Airport Private Limited (NMIAL) is a special purpose vehicle established for the development, construction, operation, and maintenance of the greenfield international airport project at Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra. NMIAL is a Public Private Partnership (PPP) between Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL), a subsidiary of Adani Airports Holdings Limited (AAHL), which holds the majority stake of 74 percent, while the City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra Limited (CIDCO), a Government of Maharashtra undertaking, holds the remaining 26 percent. AAHL is a subsidiary of Adani Enterprises Ltd, the flagship incubator of the Adani Group. Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) (IATA: NMI; ICAO: VANM), is set to become one of the busiest and most significant aviation hubs in India. Located in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, NMIA is strategically positioned to cater to the burgeoning air traffic demands of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and Western India. Spanning over 1,160 hectares (2,866 acres), on completion, NMIA is designed to handle 90 million passenger per annum (MPPA). The airport will feature two parallel runways, state-of-the-art terminal buildings, and advanced cargo facilities, ensuring seamless passenger experience and efficient cargo handling. NMIA is set to be a greenfield airport with sustainable and eco-friendly infrastructure, incorporating renewable energy sources and green building practices. The fluid and futuristic design is influenced by the Lotus, India’s national flower. In the initial phase, NMIA will have the capacity to manage 20 MPPA and 0.5 million metric tonnes of cargo annually. NMIA is committed to setting new benchmarks in operational efficiency, sustainability, and passenger satisfaction. With its modern infrastructure and strategic location, NMIA is poised to become a prominent gateway to India and a significant player in the global aviation industry.