Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), India’s newest Greenfield airport, commenced commercial operations on Thursday, coinciding with Christmas Day.
The launch marks a significant milestone in strengthening aviation infrastructure and easing air traffic congestion in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
During the initial phase, passengers will benefit from flight services operated by IndiGo, Air India Express and Akasa Air, connecting Mumbai to 16 major domestic destinations across the country.
In its first month of operations, NMIA will function for 12 hours daily, from 08:00 hours to 20:00 hours.
During this period, the airport will handle 23 scheduled daily departures and manage up to 10 flight movements per hour.
From February 2026, the airport will transition to round-the-clock operations, expanding services to 34 daily departures to cater to the growing travel demand in the MMR.
IndiGo, Air India Express and Akasa Air Services
IndiGo commenced operations from NMIA with its first flight arriving from Bengaluru in the morning, followed shortly by the first departure to Hyderabad.
Initially, IndiGo will connect NMIA with more than 10 key destinations across India.
Air India Express also inaugurated its services from the new airport, operating direct flights to Bengaluru and Delhi.
The airline’s first flight from NMIA operated to Bengaluru.
Akasa Air marked its entry with an inaugural flight from Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi to Navi Mumbai.
The airline also operated its first departure from NMIA to Delhi. Akasa Air will provide scheduled connectivity between Navi Mumbai and destinations such as Goa, Delhi, Kochi and Ahmedabad.
Operational Readiness and Stakeholder Coordination
NMIA is currently conducting comprehensive Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) trials in collaboration with all stakeholders, including airlines, security agencies and other operational partners.
These trials aim to ensure smooth, safe and efficient airport operations during the phased rollout.
Navi Mumbai International Airport is being developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model.
Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL), a subsidiary of Adani Airports Holdings Limited (AAHL), holds a majority stake of 74 per cent, while the City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra Limited (CIDCO) holds the remaining 26 per cent.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated NMIA on October 8, setting the stage for a carefully planned and phased operational rollout.
The approach prioritises passenger safety, operational reliability and comfort from the outset.
With its gradual expansion to full-capacity operations, Navi Mumbai International Airport is expected to play a crucial role in enhancing regional connectivity, supporting economic growth and meeting the long-term aviation needs of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
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