Gautam Adani Greets First Flyers As Navi Mumbai International Airport Begins Operations

Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani on Wednesday welcomed the first set of passengers as Navi Mumbai International Airport commenced commercial operations, marking a landmark moment for Mumbai’s aviation ecosystem.

The airport’s opening represents a major step towards easing congestion at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and building a resilient multi-airport system for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

Developed and operated by Adani Airports Holdings Limited, NMIA ranks among India’s largest greenfield airport projects and reflects the group’s capability to deliver complex infrastructure within tight timelines.

With the airport now operational, Mumbai joins global aviation hubs such as London, New York and Tokyo that rely on multiple airports to meet growing demand.

The inaugural commercial arrival, an IndiGo flight from Bengaluru, touched down at 8:00 am to a traditional water cannon salute.

On its first day, NMIA handled 48 flights connecting nine domestic destinations and served more than 4,000 passengers, with peak traffic recorded during the early morning hours, indicating strong initial demand.

Chairman Adani interacted with airport staff, frontline workers and first-time flyers, later joining a ceremonial walk through the departure terminal alongside employees, community representatives and beneficiaries of the Adani Foundation. The launch concluded with a flag-hoisting ceremony led by Param Vir Chakra awardees, followed by the national anthem.

Cultural Showcase and Community Participation

Several prominent sportspersons and social influencers attended the launch, while traditional Maharashtrian performances added a strong local flavour to the celebrations.

Farmers, underprivileged families and colleagues with disabilities also experienced their first flight through a special aerial tour of Mumbai, underlining the inclusive spirit of the event.

India Post released a commemorative First Flight Carried Special Cover featuring the NMIA terminal, marking the historic occasion. Airline leaders from IndiGo, Air India Express and Akasa Air confirmed the start of scheduled departures from Navi Mumbai, reinforcing confidence in the new airport’s readiness.

Speaking on the occasion, Gautam Adani described the launch as a proud day for Mumbai and India, stating that NMIA symbolises what the country can achieve when ambition is guided by purpose and executed with speed.

He said welcoming the first passengers alongside national heroes reflected a nation moving forward with confidence and compassion.

Jeet Adani, Director at Adani Airports Holdings Limited, said NMIA would strengthen capacity, enhance passenger experience and future-proof aviation growth in the region. Ahead of the launch, a large-scale drone display themed ‘Rise of India’ illuminated the airport skyline, celebrating innovation, sustainability and progress.

With NMIA now open, Mumbai enters a new era of aviation growth, supported by modern infrastructure and a vision aligned with India’s long-term development goals.

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