India’s First Offshore Airport

India is set to construct its first offshore airport near Mumbai, known as Vadhvan Airport, on an artificial island. This initiative aims to ease congestion at existing airports and boost air connectivity. Inspired by Hong Kong and Osaka’s offshore airports, the project has received environmental and defense clearances, with feasibility studies underway.

Located 125 km from Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), Vadhvan Airport will serve as Mumbai’s third major hub after CSMIA and the under-construction Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA). It will integrate with the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train and connect to key expressways like the Delhi-Mumbai and Mumbai-Vadodara routes.

Despite government support, concerns exist about passenger demand and economic viability. However, if successful, Vadhvan Airport will help manage rising air traffic and solidify Mumbai’s position as a global aviation hub.