IndiGo Launches First Commercial Flight at Navi Mumbai Airport: What Are the Initial Routes?

The Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) officially began commercial flight operations on Thursday, December 25, 2025, marking a major milestone for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). This greenfield airport project is designed to ease the severe congestion at the existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA). The launch positions Mumbai alongside global hubs like London and New York, which rely on a multi-airport system for sustained growth and capacity.

Inaugural Operations and Initial Connectivity

The first commercial flight, IndiGo flight 6E 460, an Airbus A320, arrived from Bengaluru (BLR) at 8:00 AM. This inaugural arrival was followed by the first departure, IndiGo flight 6E 882, which took off for Hyderabad (HYD) shortly after. The commencement of Navi Mumbai International Airport commercial flights signals a new era for regional travel.

Initial Routes and Airlines

During the initial phase, NMIA initial operations are scheduled for 12 hours daily, running from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The airport handled 15 scheduled departures on its first day, connecting to nine domestic destinations.

Four airlines are operating domestic services from the new facility:

• IndiGo: The largest operator, initially connecting NMIA to 13 domestic destinations, including Delhi, Ahmedabad, Chennai, and Cochin.
• Air India Express: Services connecting to key cities like Bengaluru and Delhi.
• Akasa Air: Flights to destinations such as Ahmedabad, Goa, Kochi, and Delhi.
• Star Air: Operating services to Goa and Ahmedabad.

This initial network establishes strong Navi Mumbai Airport connectivity across India.

Capacity and Future Expansion

NMIA is being developed in multiple phases by Navi Mumbai International Airport Ltd (NMIAL), a special purpose vehicle with Adani Airports holding a 74% stake. The first phase, built at a reported cost of ₹19,650 crore, features one terminal and one runway.

• Phase 1 Capacity: The terminal is designed to handle 20 million passengers per annum (MPPA).
• Future Capacity: The airport is planned to eventually expand its capacity to 90 MPPA and 2.5 million tonnes of cargo by 2032.
• Operational Expansion: Round-the-clock operations are planned to progressively scale up starting from February 2026.

Impact on Mumbai Metropolitan Region

This new gateway is critical for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region aviation capacity. The launch is expected to significantly reduce congestion at CSMIA, which has long operated beyond its optimal capacity. By offering an alternative, NMIA improves operational resilience and provides more flight slots for airlines.

Passengers benefit from increased choice and better access. The new airport features modern amenities, including Digi Yatra-enabled contactless processing at select touchpoints. The development of IndiGo Navi Mumbai routes and services from other carriers will boost economic activity and regional development. As the airport scales up, it will solidify Mumbai's position as a premier global aviation hub, a key topic in commercial aviation news. For more industry updates, visit our aviation news section at flying.flights.

This strategic expansion is a decisive step in India's infrastructure journey, supporting the nation's long-term growth aspirations.