Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), India’s most anticipated Greenfield aviation project, will officially begin commercial operations on 25 December, marking a major milestone in the expansion of aviation capacity in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
Officials confirmed on Tuesday that the initial phase will see the airport function for 12 hours daily — from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM — with 23 scheduled departures.
During this launch period, NMIA will manage up to 10 aircraft movements per hour, ensuring a smooth and controlled start to operations as part of its phased commissioning strategy.
The first flight to land at NMIA will be IndiGo’s 6E460 from Bengaluru, scheduled to touch down at 8:00 AM on opening day.
Soon after, IndiGo’s 6E882 will depart for Hyderabad at 8:40 AM, marking the airport’s first outbound commercial service.
Passengers travelling in the initial weeks will have access to services operated by IndiGo, Air India Express and Akasa Air, connecting Mumbai to 16 major domestic destinations.
Airport authorities highlighted that this curated network will allow for a gradual build-up of operations while maintaining efficiency and a high standard of service.
Expansion to 24×7 Operations in 2026
NMIA is set to expand its operational window significantly from February 2026, when it transitions to round-the-clock operations.
At that stage, the airport will increase its schedule to 34 daily departures, supporting the region’s rising air travel demand and easing congestion at Mumbai’s primary international airport.
This carefully calibrated ramp-up reflects NMIA’s long-term plan to emerge as a major aviation hub serving the western region.
Ahead of its commercial launch, NMIA has been undertaking comprehensive Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) trials.
These trials involve coordination with all key stakeholders, including security agencies, ground handlers and airline partners, to ensure seamless functioning from day one.
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) took charge at the airport on 29 October 2025, deploying personnel across critical functions to reinforce safety and security for passengers and staff.
A Landmark Project for MMR’s Aviation Growth
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s formal inauguration of NMIA on 8 October paved the way for a phased operational rollout prioritising passenger safety, comfort and reliability.
The launch of NMIA is likely to add substantial capacity to Mumbai’s expanding aviation ecosystem, benefiting millions of travellers and supporting regional economic development.
Navi Mumbai International Airport Private Limited (NMIAL), the special purpose vehicle responsible for developing and operating the project, functions under a public-private partnership (PPP) model.
Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL), a subsidiary of Adani Airports Holdings Limited (AAHL), holds a 74 per cent stake, while CIDCO retains the remaining 26 per cent.
As operations begin, NMIA is poised to reshape air travel in the MMR and emerge as one of India’s most significant aviation gateways.
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