Going by the progress of the work, the Navi Mumbai International Airport will be operational by March next year, said Mr Murlidhar Mohol, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation, after visiting the airport site and reviewing the progress of the ongoing work. It will enhance connectivity with neighbouring Mumbai, Pune, Thane, Kalyan and western Maharashtra, Mr Mohol said, highlighting its international standards and anticipated annual footfall. He expressed positivity towards naming the airport after late PWP leader DB Patil. He also assured that issues about compensation for project-affected persons (PAP) would be resolved through discussions with management, as per a report.