Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) opened its doors to commercial flight operations on Thursday, December 25, 2025, marking a major step forward for India’s aviation sector and for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). The long‑awaited airport finally began handling scheduled passenger flights after years of planning and construction.
Passengers, airlines, and regional leaders celebrated as the airport took off into active service. The inauguration of flight operations creates a second major gateway for India’s busiest aviation market.
First Flights and Initial Schedule
The first commercial arrival at NMIA was IndiGo flight 6E460 from Bengaluru, which landed early in the morning and was welcomed with a water cannon salute — a traditional aviation honour for important milestones.
The first scheduled departure took off shortly after, with IndiGo flight 6E882 heading to Hyderabad at 8:40 am.
On the opening day, four airlines — IndiGo, Akasa Air, Air India Express, and Star Air — operated flights connecting NMIA to several key domestic cities. The airport managed about 30+ scheduled movements, carrying thousands of passengers on its very first day.
Initial Operations and Growth Plans
NMIA began its operations in a phased manner, with flights scheduled from 8 am to 8 pm each day during the first month. The airport currently connects to nine major domestic destinations through its initial flight roster.
In the opening weeks, the airport is operating with about 15 scheduled departures per day. By the end of January 2026, this figure is expected to grow significantly as demand rises and airline schedules expand.
Plans are already in place to scale operations further in 2026, aiming for round‑the‑clock flight services and increased connectivity to new routes.
Passenger Experience at the New Airport
Travelers arriving and departing on December 25 reported smooth check‑in and security procedures. The airport features modern terminal facilities, designed to offer comfort and convenience for passengers from day one.
Officials and partner airline staff welcomed passengers with hospitality at the terminal and ensured that all safety and regulatory processes were fully in place prior to operations beginning.
Boost to Regional Connectivity
The new airport is expected to relieve pressure on the existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) in Mumbai, which has long operated near full capacity. NMIA’s launch helps distribute flight traffic more evenly across the region.
By offering an alternative gateway for air travel, NMIA will enhance connections to places such as Bangalore, Hyderabad, Goa, Ahmedabad, and more. This expanded network benefits business travellers and tourists alike.
Economic and Long‑Term Impact
Beyond easier travel, the opening of NMIA is expected to boost economic activity around Navi Mumbai and surrounding regions. The airport’s operations are set to attract investment and support long‑term infrastructure development.
With capacity to handle millions of passengers annually and room for future growth, NMIA will play a key role in India’s aviation expansion plan.