Navi Mumbai’s new airport opens this Christmas: Here’s what to expect from the lotus-inspired aviation hub

Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is poised to begin commercial flights on December 25, marking a significant expansion of India's aviation infrastructure. The airport, inaugurated on October 8, features a lotus-inspired design and aims to handle two crore passengers annually in its initial phase. Akasa Air will operate the inaugural commercial flight from Delhi to Navi Mumbai, while IndiGo has also announced extensive operations connecting NMIA to 10 domestic destinations.

NMIA represents India's largest greenfield airport project, developed through a public-private partnership with the Adani Group holding a 74% stake and CIDCO owning the remaining 26%. The airport's design, crafted by Zaha Hadid Architects, incorporates sustainable features such as 47 MW of solar power, EV-based mobility systems, and water-recycling infrastructure, positioning it as India's first fully digital airport. Passengers can expect facial-recognition boarding, biometric e-gates, and smart baggage systems.

Akasa Air will connect Navi Mumbai to Delhi, Goa, Kochi, and Ahmedabad in its first phase, with daily flights to Delhi and Goa. IndiGo plans to expand its network as NMIA ramps up infrastructure and capacity. The airport will initially operate for 12 hours daily, starting at 8 am.

The opening of NMIA is expected to significantly boost air traffic capacity in the Mumbai metropolitan region and contribute to India's economic expansion. The airport's long-term expansion plans include four runways and three interconnected terminals, ultimately reaching a capacity of nine crore passengers and 3.25 million tonnes of cargo annually, solidifying its position as one of Asia's largest aviation hubs.