After years of anticipation and delays, the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) has officially commenced commercial operations, marking a historic moment for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The airport, which opened its doors on Thursday, provides a crucial second aviation gateway for the bustling financial capital and its surrounding areas.
A Cautious Yet Promising Start
The inaugural day of operations will see a modest but significant beginning. Four airlines—IndiGo, Air India Express, Akasa Air, and Star Air—will operate approximately 30 domestic flights, connecting the new airport to nine destinations across India. A total of 15 scheduled departures are planned for the first day.
History will be made at 8 am when the first scheduled arrival, an IndiGo flight from Bengaluru, touches down on the tarmac. Shortly after, at 8.40 am, the first departure—another IndiGo service bound for Hyderabad—will take off, officially launching NMIA's passenger services. The terminal building will welcome its first departure passengers from around 6.40 am.
Initial Operations and Future Expansion
In its initial phase, NMIA will operate between 8 am and 8 pm. The airport is equipped to handle up to 24 scheduled daily departures to 13 destinations, with the capability to manage 10 aircraft movements per hour. This schedule is, however, a stepping stone. The airport spokesperson confirmed that from February 2026, operations are planned to progressively scale up to round-the-clock services.
The airport opens with Terminal 1 and one operational runway. The terminal building has an annual passenger handling capacity of 20 million, a figure it is expected to reach before mid-2026. Interestingly, the design allows it to accommodate an additional 2-3 million passengers beyond its declared capacity, providing a buffer for growing demand.
Modern Amenities and Strategic Location
Passenger convenience is a key focus from day one. NMIA will offer Digi Yatra-enabled contactless processing at designated touchpoints, allowing for seamless and fast movement through kerbside, check-in, security, and boarding areas. For passengers who prefer traditional methods, conventional check-in counters will also be available.
Understanding the needs of the Indian traveler, the airport's retail and food & beverage offerings have been curated with a strong focus on affordability and local preferences.
Strategically located to decongest the main city, the new airport is approximately 45-50 km from North Mumbai, 35-40 km from South Mumbai, and 35-45 km from the eastern suburbs. This positioning is expected to significantly ease travel for residents in Navi Mumbai and the broader eastern corridor, while also providing much-needed relief to the saturated Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.
The opening of NMIA is more than just the launch of a new airport; it represents a major infrastructural leap for the region. It promises enhanced connectivity, reduced travel stress for millions, and a significant boost to the economic development of Navi Mumbai and its neighboring districts. All eyes will now be on how smoothly the operations scale up to meet the region's immense air travel demands.
