Navi Mumbai Airport Takes Flight: 48 Movements, 4,000+ Passengers on Day One

The Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) has officially commenced commercial operations, marking a major milestone for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). The long-awaited launch on Thursday introduces a crucial second air hub, easing Mumbai air traffic congestion.

Inaugural Operations and Traffic Data

NMIA's first day of service saw strong activity. The airport managed a total of 48 flights, connecting nine domestic destinations. Over 4,000 passengers were served on the inaugural day. Peak traffic hours were recorded between 5 PM and 7 PM.

The first arrival was IndiGo flight 6E460 from Bengaluru. It touched down at 8:00 AM and received a traditional water cannon salute. The first departure, an IndiGo flight to Hyderabad, took off just 40 minutes later. The airport's official call sign, "Navi," is already in use by pilots and air traffic controllers.

• IATA Code: NMI
• Inaugural Carriers: IndiGo, Akasa Air, Air India Express, Star Air
• Initial Destinations: Nine domestic cities

Strategic Importance and Capacity Expansion

Developed and operated by Adani Airports Holdings Limited (AAHL), NMIA is one of India's largest greenfield airport projects. The airport's operationalization is a massive boost to the nation's civil aviation sector. The existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) has been constrained for decades. It operates on a single runway, handling around 950 flights every 24 hours.

NMIA's Phase 1 is designed to handle 20 million passengers per annum (MPPA). Upon full completion, the airport is projected to manage up to 90 million passengers annually. This capacity expansion is vital for India, one of the world's fastest-growing aviation markets. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) granted the essential aerodrome licence, confirming regulatory compliance.

Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani welcomed passengers from the inaugural flight. He stated it was "a proud day for Mumbai and for India." The new facility will operate for 12 hours initially, from 8 AM to 8 PM. Plans are in place to scale up to round-the-clock operations by February 2026.

Initial Challenges and Future Connectivity

Despite the successful launch, passengers reported some initial teething troubles. Road signages were often unclear or missing at key junctions. This caused some motorists to mistakenly reach the cargo terminal first. Approach roads near the site were also undergoing widening and repair work. Passengers traveling from central Mumbai noted the distance, approximately 35 km to the new airport.

Connectivity via the new Atal Setu sea bridge also needs clearer signage. Most travelers relied on app-based cabs, as taxi and auto stands were not fully operational. The Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport has launched bus services on five routes to improve access.

Impact on Aviation Stakeholders

Airlines like Akasa Air and Air India Express will benefit greatly. The new airport provides much-needed slots and parking bases. This allows for rapid network expansion across the MMR. Passengers gain a new, modern, and less congested travel option. The airport's design features include Digi Yatra-enabled contactless processing. The long-term plan includes connecting NMIA with the Navi Mumbai Metro and the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL). This will significantly improve multimodal access for the entire region. For more commercial aviation news, visit flying.flights.