Navi Mumbai International Airport Set for Takeoff as Commercial Operations Begin on December 25

Mumbai: The long wait for Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is finally coming to an end, as the airport prepares to handle its first commercial passenger flights on December 25. The launch marks a historic moment for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, with NMIA expected to significantly ease pressure on the already overburdened Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.

The start of operations comes at a busy time, coinciding with the Christmas and New Year travel rush. On its opening day, the airport is scheduled to manage 30 air traffic movements, including 15 arrivals and 15 departures. This marks the beginning of full-scale passenger services at India’s newest greenfield airport.

NMIA is located at Ulwe in Raigad district and has been developed as a long-term solution to Mumbai’s growing aviation demand. The project was first proposed in 1997, but its journey was marked by land acquisition challenges, environmental clearances and multiple delays. After nearly three decades, the airport was formally inaugurated on October 8, 2025, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The airport has been developed under a public-private partnership between the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) and Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL). CIDCO holds a 26 per cent stake in the project, while AAHL owns the remaining 74 per cent. The airport has been designed with modern infrastructure, sustainability features and scope for future expansion, positioning it as a key aviation hub in western India.

Four airlines will operate flights on the first day of operations—IndiGo, Akasa Air, Air India Express and Star Air. IndiGo will lead operations with the highest number of flights, operating nine arrivals and nine departures. The remaining airlines will operate two arrivals and two departures each.

The first commercial flight to land at NMIA will be an IndiGo service from Bengaluru, scheduled to arrive at 8 am. The first departure will also be an IndiGo flight, leaving for Hyderabad at 8.40 am. The final arrival of the day is expected from Goa’s Mopa airport at 6.50 pm, followed by the last departure to Bengaluru at 7.45 pm.

Officials believe the airport will bring much-needed relief to Mumbai’s aviation network by redistributing passenger traffic and reducing congestion at the existing airport. NMIA is expected to play a critical role in improving on-time performance, enhancing passenger experience and supporting future growth in air travel demand.

Looking beyond the launch, CIDCO has already outlined development plans for 2026. Focus will shift to developing the Navi Mumbai Airport Influence Notified Area (NAINA), which includes large-scale projects such as an Aerocity, Medicity, Educity, Sports City, Corporate Park and an Integrated Logistics Park. These developments are expected to generate employment, attract investment and accelerate urban growth in the region.

With its modern facilities and strategic location, NMIA is poised to emerge as a new gateway to India. The commencement of commercial operations not only marks the completion of a long-pending infrastructure project but also signals a major step forward in reshaping air travel across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.