An Indian Air Force C-295 aircraft successfully landed at the Navi Mumbai International Airport, the second international airport for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). This was the first landing at the site, marking a significant milestone for the airport before commercial operations begin next year.
The IAF C-295 was accompanied by Sukhoi-30 fighter jet.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and several MPs and MLAs from the state witnessed the inaugural take-off and landing of the aircraft at the new airport, being developed by the Adani Group.
The Indian Air Force transport carrier C295 landed at the Southern runway 26 of the airport at 12.14 pm, according to the airport operator.
A water canon salute was accorded to the aircraft after the landing.
The trial flight was initially scheduled for October 5 but was cancelled later.
"The airport should be fully operational for domestic flights by March 2025, with international services expected to commence within the following five to six months," a spokesperson for the airport has been quoted as saying.