As IAF Aircraft Touches Down At Navi Mumbai Airport, CM Shinde Declares Mahayuti Ready For ‘Flight And Fight’

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde leads a coalition government consisting of his party, Shiv Sena, along with the BJP and the NCP faction led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.

After the successful trial landing of an Indian Air Force aircraft at the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde declares his alliance's readiness for the upcoming state elections.

Source : X/@mieknathshinde

Following the historic win of the BJP in the Haryana assembly elections, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Friday asserted that his ruling alliance, Mahayuti, is prepared for both "flight and fight" in the upcoming state elections.

Speaking after witnessing the trial landing of an Indian Air Force aircraft at the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport at Ulwe in adjoining Raigad district, Shinde said his government is working to commence commercial operations at the airport before the March 31, 2025, deadline.

#WATCH | Maharashtra: Inaugural landing of IAF C-295 takes place at Navi Mumbai International airport. The Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft landed at the airport for a trial run on the runway.

CM Eknath Shinde and others present here.

(Video: ANI/Maharashtra CMO) pic.twitter.com/4LtDGyfEQ6

— ANI (@ANI) October 11, 2024

Shinde leads a coalition government consisting of his party, Shiv Sena, along with the BJP and the NCP faction led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. "Today, an Indian Air Force C295 aircraft made a successful test landing at the runway at the Navi Mumbai International Airport. We are ready for both flight and fight," Shinde told news agency PTI, referring to the anticipated announcement of state assembly elections.

Newly Constructed Navi Mumbai Airport Ranks Among Nation's Major Aviation Hubs: CM Eknath Shinde

The trial landing marked a key milestone as the C295 transport aircraft touched down on the Southern runway at 12:14 pm, with the aircraft receiving a water cannon salute. The airport, developed by the Adani Group, is expected to begin commercial operations early next year.

#WATCH | Maharashtra: Inaugural landing of IAF C-295 took place at Navi Mumbai International Airport today. CM Eknath Shinde also flew in the aircraft.

(Video: ANI/Maharashtra CMO) pic.twitter.com/cMV7HmWgEw

— ANI (@ANI) October 11, 2024

The chief minister stated that the newly constructed Navi Mumbai airport would have a large capacity and rank among the nation's major aviation hubs. Shinde described the facility as a huge gift to the public and emphasised that once it is put into use, traffic at the crowded Mumbai airport will significantly decrease.

He pointed out that due to the construction of the 21.8-km-long 6-lane sea bridge Atal Setu, the upcoming airport has become close to both Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.

#नवी_मुंबई येथील आंतरराष्ट्रीय विमानतळावर आज भारतीय वायुदलाच्या वतीने 'सी-२९५' चे यशस्वीरित्या लँडिंग करून तर 'सुखोई-३०' या विमानाचा यशस्वी फ्लाय पास करत धावपट्टीची चाचणी घेण्यात आली. भारतीय वायूदलाचे 'सी-२९५' विमानाने नवी मुंबई विमानतळावर यशस्वी लँडिंग करत धावपट्टीवर उतरताच या… pic.twitter.com/nKMDol99yY

— Eknath Shinde - एकनाथ शिंदे (@mieknathshinde) October 11, 2024

The famous sea bridge, which began construction in January of this year, ends at Chirle village, close to Nhava Sheva in the Raigad district, and begins at Sewri in Navi Mumbai.

Earlier this week, the BJP secured a decisive victory in Haryana, winning 48 out of 90 assembly seats and overcoming a decade of anti-incumbency to secure a third consecutive term in power. Maharashtra's 288-seat assembly is likely to go to polls next month.