Navi Mumbai airport faces connectivity and transport issues

Navi Mumbai International Airport Faces Connectivity Issues

Navi Mumbai: Less than two weeks after its launch, the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is experiencing problems. Passengers have reported issues with mobile connectivity, last-mile transportation, lighting, and signage. These issues are affecting the promise of the new airport in the Mumbai metropolitan region.

Mobile Connectivity Problems

The most pressing issue is the lack of mobile network coverage inside the terminal. Passengers report that calls drop, mobile data is unavailable, and app-based payments often fail. This forces travelers to depend on the free airport Wi-Fi for basic tasks, such as contacting family and booking transportation.

This lack of connectivity leads to further problems, especially with coordinating pickups. “There was no network the moment I entered. I couldn’t book a cab or even call home,” said Vijay Desai, a business traveler.

Frustration was also expressed on social media. X user @abadjate warned travelers against flying into NMIA. “Zero network, no proper arrangements for taxis. Passengers struggling to get cabs,” he wrote, describing confusion outside the terminal.

International Passengers Face Additional Challenges

International passengers face more difficulties. “Foreign numbers cannot connect to the Wi-Fi, forcing them to use someone else’s phone to make a call or book a cab,” said an anonymous airport employee.

Concerns about data security have also arisen. “Why should I be forced to give my personal number just to get connectivity? This is an infringement of privacy,” said passenger Mukesh Dalvi, highlighting risks with VoIP networks.

Terminal Conditions and Transportation Options

Beyond connectivity, passengers have criticized the terminal’s interiors. “The airport looks shabby and already feels old. There is no character, and the lighting inside is horrible,” said @abadjate in a viral post.

With app-based taxis hard to access, many have turned to Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport (NMMT) buses. NMMT has deployed 14 buses to routes like Belapur, Nerul, Taloja, Kharkopar, and Khandeshwar, running every 17-22 minutes. However, the experience has received mixed reviews.

Mixed Reviews on Bus Services

“I took the bus because there was no other option. The ride was tough, and the stepwell was extremely high for people with luggage,” said senior citizen Kalpesh Soni. Travel vlogger Arindam Mahapatra noted that while smaller buses have steep steps, larger buses are being used on some routes.

An airport employee acknowledged that buses are currently the most reliable option, but last-mile connectivity remains weak. “There are bus services every 15 minutes to and from Nerul Station to the terminal; bus A-4 goes directly, but passengers are largely unaware of this,” the employee said.

Motorist Complaints and Food Outlets

Motorists have complained about confusing roads near the Atal Setu. Some have accidentally driven into cargo areas or construction zones due to unclear signage. Additionally, only a few food and beverage outlets are currently operational, despite the airport’s retail plans.

Response from NMIAL

In response to the backlash, a spokesperson for the Adani Group-led Navi Mumbai International Airport Ltd (NMIAL) stated it was a “conscious decision” to install a unified network to ensure coverage across the terminal. “Learnings show that certain important areas get neglected by telecom service providers,” the spokesperson said.

NMIAL also denied allegations from the Cellular Operators Association of India that telecom firms were denied permission to lay cables inside the airport. “We have regularly communicated with TSPs and offered services at standard charges,” the spokesperson added.

NMIAL is providing free high-speed Wi-Fi to passengers while waiting for improvements. They did not respond to questions about other issues raised by passengers, such as transportation and road signage.

HT did not receive a response from ride-hailing platforms Uber, Ola, and Rapido regarding services at the new airport.