A technology-driven experience awaits passengers as the first phase of the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) at Panvel is all set to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday.

The airport will have 66 check-in counters, 22 self-baggage drop points, 29 aerobridges, and 10 bus boarding gates. The final phase will have 245 passenger aircraft stands, 7 cargo aircraft stands, 79 general aviation (GA) stands, and 16 hangars.

To be named after D.B. Patil, the 5G ‘Connected NMIA’ will have data-driven insights to improve Turnaround Time (TAT); seamless, contact-free processing under Digi Yatra; zero manual ID/ boarding pass checks, baggage tracking; Wi-Fi-enablement with strong cybersecurity; smart traffic management with automated communication; advanced tracking systems Internet of Things (IoT) for real-time monitoring; an automated baggage handling system, and Aviio, the in-house app for airport stakeholders.

The retail offerings will include duty-free shops at departure and arrivals, and cover approximately 1,800 sqm; retail space around 5,000 sqm. There will be 110 retail and F&B outlets at the terminal and forecourt. Immersive experiential zones are another feature. The Adani One app will offer digital convenience in commercial offerings such as retail, F&B, and duty-free, baggage services and lounge check-ins.

Domestic departures will have a dedicated kids' play zone. The experimental zone will provide immersive digital tunnels with interactive screens and kinetic installations narrating stories of Mumbai, Maharashtra, and India, showcasing the heritage of Maharashtra as a tribute to local communities through various art forms. Commercially Important Person (CIP) lounges are segmented into zones that can accommodate approximately 500 passengers. The airport will have a Transit/Day Hotel with 80 rooms for a short stay. The airport will provide direct delivery of luggage from home to destination, left luggage-cloak room, baggage repair, baggage wrap, etc. The airport also has a Special area at the arrival forecourt for both passengers and visitors, and pranaam services to meet and greet visitors.

The F&B offerings will include an artisanal tea concept, popular Mumbai Food & Beverages brands called Bombay Bond, casual dining areas, a food hall consisting of cuisines from India and abroad, chef-curated concepts, a brewery & bars, and Indian street food concepts at the arrival forecourt.