Adani's Navi Mumbai Airport to Launch With 70% In-House Retail Presence, Targets 70% Non-Aero Revenue by 2030

The Adani Group has unveiled an ambitious retail-driven commercial strategy for its forthcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport, positioning the aviation hub as a lifestyle destination rather than just a transit point. According to senior executives overseeing the project, the airport operator is banking heavily on proprietary brands and diversified non-aeronautical revenue streams to redefine the airport experience in India.

The upcoming airport, which is scheduled to begin domestic and short-haul international passenger services by December 2025, will reportedly feature 113 retail and food & beverage outlets at launch, with approximately 65 to 70 percent of these stores operating under Adani's own brand portfolio, executives have disclosed.

Gen Z-Focused Retail Model at the Core

Rather than adopting conventional tenant attraction models based on short-term financial incentives, Adani Airports is implementing what officials describe as a "passenger-to-product" retail framework specifically curated for Generation Z travelers, who are projected to comprise 64 percent of the airport's passenger base by 2030. This strategy is aimed at creating sustainable long-term demand rather than relying on temporary incentive structures.

The commercial infrastructure at Terminal 1 will include approximately 110 retail and F&B outlets spanning 5,000 square meters of total retail space, including a 1,800 square meter duty-free area. All commercial services will be integrated through the Adani OneApp digital platform, officials have confirmed.

Among the offerings planned for the terminal are an artisanal tea brand called Bombay Bond, casual and chef-led dining concepts, a food hall featuring global and regional cuisines, breweries and bars, as well as a dedicated street food zone at the arrival forecourt.

Arun Bansal, CEO of Adani Airports, emphasized that the group is building a demand-driven commercial ecosystem prioritizing long-term viability over immediate financial gains. He noted that there is sufficient demand, and while first-year concessions have been offered for international airlines, the company does not rely on incentive-based models for commercial tenants.

Pivoting Toward Non-Aeronautical Revenue Dominance

The retail-led approach reflects Adani's broader strategic shift away from traditional airport revenue models. In FY25, Adani Airports recorded total revenue of ₹9,276.42 crore, with non-aeronautical sources already contributing 54 percent of the total. The group has set an ambitious target of increasing this share to 70 percent by 2030, while reducing dependence on aeronautical revenues such as landing fees and airline charges to below 30 percent.

Industry observers note that this strategy aligns with global trends where major airport operators are diversifying revenue streams across commercial real estate and retail infrastructure.

To support this expansion, Adani Airports is planning to operate 310 stores across its airport network, either through direct operations or franchise partnerships. In June 2025, the group raised $750 million through external commercial borrowings to refinance existing debt and fund the expansion of retail, food, and duty-free services across its portfolio.

Airport as Destination: Beyond Traditional Transit

The commercial strategy forms part of Adani Airports Holdings Ltd's (AAHL) long-term vision to transform airports into what the company describes as "vibrant destinations that go beyond traditional aviation services." This approach is heavily dependent on data analytics and passenger behavior modeling, personalized digital engagement via the Adani OneApp, and integrated commercial experiences covering check-in lounges, baggage services, and shopping.

The Navi Mumbai Airport development is expected to significantly impact surrounding real estate markets and infrastructure growth in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

International Operations and Airline Partnerships

When commercial operations commence in December, the airport will cater to both domestic and short-haul international flights from the outset. Company officials have stated that discussions are currently underway with various airlines for launching the first phase of international routes, though specific airline partners and destinations have not been disclosed yet.

Key Highlights of the Retail Strategy

With this comprehensive retail-led strategy, Adani Group aims to redefine the Indian airport experience by positioning its facilities not merely as gateways to destinations, but as destinations in themselves, blending lifestyle, shopping, and transit in a seamlessly integrated ecosystem.

The Mumbai real estate market continues to witness significant infrastructure developments, with major developers securing substantial bookings and record property registrations being reported across various segments.

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