Navi Mumbai, December 25, 2025: Nearly 30 years after it was first envisioned to ease pressure on Mumbai’s overburdened aviation network, the greenfield Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) became operational on Thursday with the landing of an IndiGo Airbus A320 from Bengaluru at 8 am.
The aircraft received a traditional water cannon salute, marking the formal start of commercial operations at the new airport.
The launch represents a major expansion of Mumbai’s aviation infrastructure and a significant milestone in India’s broader push to build future-ready transport facilities. With NMIA now functional, Mumbai joins global cities such as London, New York, Tokyo and Shanghai that operate multiple airports to cater to growing passenger demand.
The inaugural arrival, IndiGo flight 6E 460, was followed by the airport’s first departure, IndiGo flight 6E 882 to Hyderabad at 8.40 am, completing NMIA’s first full arrival-departure cycle. Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani welcomed passengers from the maiden flight and interacted with airport staff, frontline workers and first-time flyers.
Calling the day historic, Adani said the airport symbolises what India can achieve when ambition is matched with execution. He described NMIA as a reflection of a confident, compassionate and forward-moving nation, adding that the project promises long-term benefits for Mumbai and the country.
Passengers on the inaugural flight expressed excitement at being part of the moment. Ram Prasad, a Bengaluru resident travelling with his seven-year-old daughter, said he had deliberately booked the first flight to experience the new airport. His daughter, Sai Prateeksha, who received an aircraft model as a souvenir, proudly said she was the first passenger to step off the plane.
The launch celebrations included a ceremonial walk through the terminal, followed by a flag-hoisting ceremony led by Param Vir Chakra awardees Captain Bana Singh and Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar. Prominent sportspersons and public figures were also present.
On the first day of operations, airlines including IndiGo, Air India Express, Akasa Air and Star Air operated 48 flights to nine domestic destinations, serving more than 4,000 passengers. Peak traffic was recorded in the early morning hours, indicating strong initial demand.
During its initial phase, NMIA will operate for 12 hours daily, from 8 am to 8 pm, handling up to 24 scheduled departures and around 10 aircraft movements per hour. From February next year, operations are expected to gradually scale up to 24-hour services.
The airport has also been positioned as a socially inclusive initiative, with farmers, underprivileged families and persons with disabilities experiencing their first flight through a special aerial tour of Mumbai. India Post released a commemorative cover to mark the airport’s first commercial flight.
Developed in phases under Navi Mumbai International Airport Ltd, the project is operated by a special purpose vehicle in which the Adani Group holds a 74 per cent stake, while CIDCO owns the remaining 26 per cent. Aviation executives said NMIA will play a crucial role in decongesting the existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and strengthening Mumbai’s transition to a resilient multi-airport system.
