Navi Mumbai International Airport Opens: First IndiGo Flight Receives Water Salute

The Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) officially began commercial flight operations on Thursday. IndiGo flight 6E460 from Bengaluru was the inaugural arrival. It touched down at 8:00 am, marking a major milestone for India's civil aviation sector.

The aircraft was honored with a traditional water cannon salute. This time-honored gesture marks a new airport’s first commercial touchdown. Shortly after, the airport handled its first departure. IndiGo flight 6E882 departed for Hyderabad at 8:40 am. This completed the new facility’s inaugural operational cycle.

Expanding Air Travel Capacity

NMIA is the second major airport for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). It is designed to alleviate severe congestion. The existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) has been operating near capacity for years. The launch of this India's newest Greenfield airport transitions Mumbai into a multi-airport system. This framework is expected to enhance regional resilience and long-term growth.

Initial Operations and Airline Services

Operations on the opening day were limited to domestic flights. Four airlines launched initial services from the new facility. These carriers include IndiGo, Air India Express, Akasa Air, and Star Air. They connected the new airport to nine domestic destinations. The airport planned for 15 scheduled departures on the first day.

• Initial Hours: The airport will operate for 12 hours daily, from 8 am to 8 pm.
• Ramp-Up: Authorities plan to scale up to round-the-clock services. This progressive expansion is scheduled to begin by February 2026.
• Initial Throughput: The facility can manage up to 10 aircraft movements per hour.

Project Development and Future Capacity

The Navi Mumbai International Airport project was first conceived in 1997. After years of delays, construction began in August 2021. The airport was formally inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 8, 2025.

The project is being executed in five phases. Phase one was built at a reported cost of ₹19,650 crore. The first phase terminal has a capacity to handle 20 million passengers annually.

Ownership and Long-Term Vision

The airport is a public-private partnership. It is managed by the special purpose vehicle Navi Mumbai International Airport Ltd (NMIAL). The Adani Group (Adani Airport Holdings) holds a 74% stake. The remaining 26% is owned by the City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra (CIDCO).

This development is a key part of the [Adani Group airport development] strategy. The full project aims to significantly boost India's air infrastructure. Once all five phases are complete, the airport is designed to handle 90 million passengers annually. This massive capacity will establish NMIA as a major global aviation hub. It will also feature dedicated cargo terminals and multimodal connectivity.

Impact on Aviation Stakeholders

This new gateway offers operational relief to airlines. The increased slot availability supports network expansion for carriers like IndiGo and Akasa Air. The move is crucial for the growth of commercial aviation news in the region. NMIA is equipped with a Category II Instrument Landing System (ILS). This technology allows for safe landings in lower visibility conditions. This capability is a significant operational advantage over the existing Mumbai airport. The new facility also features modern passenger services. These include Digi Yatra-enabled contactless processing at select touchpoints. However, challenges remain regarding surrounding infrastructure. Connectivity via approach roads and connecting bridges is still in progress. This could pose initial logistical challenges for passengers. The airport's proximity to the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) is a major advantage. It is expected to boost cargo operations in the MMR. The phased launch is a measured approach to managing this complex transition. It ensures a smooth integration into the national air traffic network. The expanding air travel capacity is vital for India’s economic growth.