Adani group plans heliport, hub for air taxis at Navi Mumbai

Core Viewpoint - The Adani group is planning to develop a heliport and vertiport at Navi Mumbai airport to enhance connectivity with other parts of Mumbai and Pune, which will operate independently of the airport's flight operations [1][2]. Group 1: Heliport and Vertiport Development - The Adani group has requested approximately 2 hectares of land from the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) for the heliport and vertiport project, which is currently under consideration [2]. - The development of a heliport near Navi Mumbai airport is expected to benefit corporate and business travelers from Pune, as the Pune-Mumbai helicopter corridor is already busy with 20-30 flights daily [3]. Group 2: Connectivity and Infrastructure - Passengers at Navi Mumbai airport will have access to helicopter services to various locations in Maharashtra, with plans for a dedicated road to facilitate easier access to the heliport [4]. - The Airport Authority of India has developed alternate routes for helicopter operations that bypass the Navi Mumbai airport, which will be implemented soon [3]. Group 3: eVTOL Integration - The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is working on a framework for integrating electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOLs) into civilian airspace in India, with companies like InterGlobe Enterprises and Archer Enterprises already collaborating on air taxi projects [5]. - Globally, eVTOLs are undergoing demonstration and test flights, with plans for commercial use in events like the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics [6].