The much-anticipated Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is set to welcome its first passengers on Christmas Day, marking a significant milestone in India's aviation infrastructure. Commercial operations will commence on December 25, 2025, providing Mumbai with a second aviation gateway to ease air traffic congestion.
Initial Flight Operations and Schedule
During the initial phase from December 25 to January 31, the airport will operate between 8 am and 8 pm with 23 scheduled daily departures. The airport will handle up to 10 flight movements per hour during this period, ensuring smooth operations from day one.
The inaugural flight arriving at NMIA will be IndiGo 6E460 from Bengaluru, scheduled to land at 8 am. The first outbound service will be IndiGo 6E882 to Hyderabad, departing at 8.40 am. This carefully planned schedule ensures a balanced start to operations at the new facility.
Airlines and Domestic Connectivity
Three major Indian carriers - IndiGo, Air India Express, and Akasa Air - will operate flights from the new airport initially. Passengers will benefit from connectivity to 16 major domestic destinations, significantly enhancing travel options for Mumbai residents and visitors alike.
From February 1 onwards, the airport will expand its operations with daily departures increasing to 34 flights to meet the growing demands of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. This strategic expansion demonstrates the airport's commitment to scaling operations based on passenger needs.
Preparations and Security Measures
To ensure seamless operations from day one, NMIA is conducting comprehensive Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) trials in collaboration with all stakeholders, including security agencies and airline partners. These trials are crucial for testing all systems and procedures before the official opening.
Security at the new airport will be managed by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), which was formally inducted at NMIA on October 29. The premier security force brings extensive experience in airport security from facilities across the country.
The airport, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 8, represents a significant infrastructure achievement for Maharashtra and the entire country. Its strategic location in Navi Mumbai positions it as a crucial alternative to the existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, promising to transform air travel in the Mumbai region.
