Passengers using the newly opened Navi Mumbai International Airport have reported a range of operational challenges so far. From mobile connectivity issues to last-mile transportation concerns, several factors are adding to the difficulties faced by travellers navigating the airport. Here’s more about this.
Challenges Passengers Are Facing At Navi Mumbai Airport
According to a report by Hindustan Times, the new Navi Mumbai Airport, the much-anticipated second airport of the Mumbai metropolitan region, is facing some challenges. One of the biggest hurdles passengers are facing right now is the absence of mobile network coverage inside the terminal.
Seriously? How difficult is it to plan for making mobile signals available inside an airport like every other airport? Does Adani’s Navi Mumbai airport lack such a basic necessity? pic.twitter.com/dAj85GIWZ4
— Karthik 🇮🇳 (@beastoftraal) December 30, 2025
An X user, @beastoftraal, also shared a photo of an advisory displayed at the airport, urging passengers to use the free airport Wi-Fi as “mobile signals may not be available.” HT’s report revealed that call drops, mobile data unavailability, and even online transaction failures have added to travellers’ woes at the Navi Mumbai Airport. This issue is even more challenging for foreigners as their phones don’t easily connect to Wi-fi.
Also Read: 4 Reasons Why Lucknow’s Gomti Nagar Railway Station Resembles An Airport Than Train Station
Hurdles Faced By Flyers
This digital blockage and connectivity issue also makes booking onward transportation more difficult. Booking cabs is a task, making last-mile connectivity another issue for travellers at the Navi Mumbai Airport. This makes the Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport (NMMT) buses the most reliable source of transportation there. So far, HT reported, 14 buses have been deployed for routes to Belapur, Nerul, Taloja, Kharkopar, and Khandeshwar. They run every 17-22 minutes.
Lighting and signage have also emerged as concerns for passengers at the airport. According to a Hindustan Times report, confusing approach roads near the Atal Setu have led some commuters to inadvertently enter cargo areas or construction zones due to unclear signage. Additionally, as the airport is newly operational, only a limited number of food and beverage outlets are currently open.
NMIA Responds
The Navi Mumbai International Airport authorities have responded and shared that they have consciously decided to install state of the art In Building Solution(IBS) infrastructure for mobile network as a neutral host and based on the learnings that certain important areas such as baggage belt, utility buildings, ATC etc. get neglected by TSPs in favour of passenger heavy areas, thereby leading to passenger inconvenience and overall airport inefficiency.
“Since airport is a highly sensitive zone, frequent servicing, maintenance, and upkeep of the network are required. This is best managed by the airport operator with the relevant security clearance from BCAS and other security agencies. The turnaround time for any third party to address any concerns with the network will be substantially more, leading to delays and passenger inconvenience,” they said.
The statement further added, “Contrary to allegations by Cellular Operators Association of India(COAI), Right of Way has never been denied by NMIAL to any Telecom Service Provider(TSP) at NMIA. NMIAL has regularly communicated and discussed with TSPs and already offered the IBS services at charges in line with the existing industry standards, to which the TSPs are yet to revert.”
Also Read: “Basics Were Missing”, Ashmit Patel Shares Honest Take On Navi Mumbai International Airport
Have you checked out the new airport yet? Let us know your experience in the comments!
Cover Image Courtesy: X/navimumairport
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