Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport will officially be named “Loknete D. B. Patil Navi Mumbai International Airport.” The decision honours late leader D. B. Patil, who played a significant role in protecting the rights of local communities during the airport’s early development phase. The proposal for naming the airport was recently discussed with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who responded positively, affirming the Centre’s support for the state government’s stance.
Fadnavis emphasised that the government’s position on naming the airport after D. B. Patil has been consistent from the beginning, and both Houses of the State Legislature have already passed a resolution supporting it. The State Cabinet had also forwarded the proposal to the Central Government. He further noted that under a new central policy governing such naming decisions, official approvals for this and other airports in Maharashtra will be granted soon, resolving earlier procedural delays.
The Chief Minister stated that once passenger operations commence, the airport will be officially inaugurated under the new name. Currently, the project is undergoing a “dry run” phase that includes technical testing and flight booking preparations. The upcoming airport is expected to significantly reduce congestion at Mumbai’s existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, boosting regional connectivity and economic growth for the Navi Mumbai area.
Fadnavis also confirmed that the state has proposed renaming Pune Airport after Jagadguru Sant Tukaram and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar Airport after Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. These proposals are being reviewed by the Central Government and are expected to receive approval in line with the new naming framework. He reassured that Maharashtra’s cultural and historical leaders would continue to be honoured through such initiatives.
Addressing past protests surrounding the Navi Mumbai airport naming issue, Fadnavis announced that all cases filed against demonstrators during the agitation will be withdrawn. He said these legal matters should not affect local employment opportunities linked to the airport’s construction and operations. Special instructions will be issued to ensure smooth withdrawal of these cases, including those filed during the COVID-19 period under pandemic-related regulations.
The announcement was made at a meeting attended by several ministers and public representatives, including Forest Minister Ganesh Naik, MPs Kapil Patil and Suresh Mhatre, and former MPs Ramsheth Thakur, Sanjay Patil, and Sanjeev Naik. The gathering showcased political unity, with all parties unanimously supporting the naming decision. Fadnavis concluded that the move marks a respectful tribute to D. B. Patil’s legacy while reinforcing Maharashtra’s commitment to regional pride and inclusive development.