Indian motocross racer Rustom Patel, who represents India on the international motor racing circuit, has flagged serious operational lapses at the newly operational Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) after what he described as one of his “worst travel experiences.”
Patel landed at NMIA on Monday, January 26, after returning from Hyderabad where he had participated in a sports event. Soon after arrival, he found himself struggling with zero mobile network connectivity, making it impossible to book app-based cabs like Ola or Uber.
“There is absolutely no mobile network at the airport. Your phone is as good as being on airplane mode,” Patel said, adding that he had to rely on a mobile hotspot to even attempt booking a cab.
According to Patel, private cab operators at NMIA quoted Rs 3,200 to travel to Byculla, citing an additional Rs 200 charge for crossing Atal Setu. Another private cab operator quoted Rs 2,800, which Patel termed “exorbitant and unreasonable.”
Eventually, he managed to book an Ola Mini for Rs 1,200, believing it to be a reasonable fare since he was travelling alone. However, the ordeal did not end there. Patel alleged that upon reaching the designated Ola pickup area, he was informed that no Mini cabs were available, and only Sedan vehicles were parked.
“The Sedan driver asked me to pay Rs 2,200 and told me to change my booking because there is no Mini available,” Patel said.
Patel further claimed that cab drivers told him they are required to pay Rs 500 as an entry or parking charge to operate inside NMIA, raising concerns over whether such costs are being indirectly passed on to passengers.
Drawing a comparison, Patel pointed out that a cab ride from Mumbai International Airport to Byculla costs around Rs 550, while fares from NMIA are several times higher.
“I flew from Hyderabad to Navi Mumbai for Rs 5,200, but a cab from NMIA to Byculla costs Rs 3,200. Does this make any sense?” he questioned.
In a video shared as his WhatsApp status, Patel appealed to residents of South Mumbai to avoid landing at NMIA until basic infrastructure issues are resolved. He also raised a larger question about passenger safety and convenience.
“If someone who represents India in motor racing can go through this, imagine the plight of the common man,” Patel said.
He further questioned the preparedness of the airport authorities, stating that mobile connectivity is a basic and essential requirement for any international airport.
“If NMIA was not ready, why start operations? Launching without network connectivity and proper cab regulation is unacceptable,” he added.
As NMIA is projected to be Mumbai’s next major aviation hub, Patel’s experience has sparked fresh debate over passenger readiness, pricing regulation, and infrastructure gaps at the airport, which is still in its early phase of operations.