The long-awaited Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is set to begin operations this winter, with passenger flights commencing shortly after the monsoon season. According to a joint statement by NMIA and IndiGo, India’s largest airline, operations will kick off around October, with the formal inauguration date yet to be announced.
IndiGo to Operate 36 Daily Flights from Day 1
IndiGo will be the first airline to operate from the new airport, starting with 36 domestic departures and arrivals daily, connecting 15 cities across India. While the specific destinations have not been disclosed, sources indicate that major cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, and Kochi are likely to feature on the initial route map.
“This partnership (with IndiGo) marks a major step towards confirming NMIA’s position as a transfer hub for domestic and international travellers,” said Arun Bansal, CEO of Adani Airport Holdings Ltd (AAHL). IndiGo’s CEO, Pieter Elbers, expressed enthusiasm, stating, “We couldn’t be more pleased to announce that IndiGo will be the inaugural airline to operate from the Navi Mumbai International Airport.”
Scaling Up Operations
By November 2025, IndiGo plans to increase its flight frequency to 79 daily departures (158 flights per day, including arrivals), including 14 international departures. By March 2026, the airline aims to scale up to over 100 daily departures, and by November 2026, operations will expand further to 140 daily departures (280 flights per day), with 30 international departures.
The gradual buildup reflects NMIA’s ambition to become a key aviation hub, complementing Mumbai’s existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), which currently handles approximately 920 flights daily. Passengers will soon have the option to choose between the two airports when booking tickets.
Capacity and Economic Impact
In its initial phase, NMIA will handle 20 million passengers and 0.5 million metric tons (MMT) of cargo annually, with plans to expand capacity to 90 million passengers and 3.2 MMT of cargo per annum upon full completion. The airport’s launch is expected to create a dual-airport system for Mumbai, de-congesting CSMIA and significantly enhancing passenger experience.
“The augmented capacity offered by both airports will drive unparalleled economic growth for the Mumbai region and Maharashtra,” the airport authorities stated.
Delayed Timeline and Current Status
Initially slated for formal inauguration on April 17, 2024, followed by domestic flight operations in mid-May, NMIA faced delays due to logistical challenges. A notice issued by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) confirms that the runway will remain non-functional until August 6, 2025, with an extension of the closure likely to be announced in August.
Sources suggest operations will commence post-monsoon, aligning with favorable weather conditions and ensuring seamless functionality.
A New Era for Aviation in Mumbai
The introduction of NMIA marks a transformative moment for Mumbai’s aviation landscape. By easing congestion at CSMIA and offering state-of-the-art facilities, the new airport is poised to bolster connectivity, support regional development, and position Mumbai as a global aviation leader.
As ticket bookings open in the coming months, travelers can look forward to experiencing the convenience and efficiency of Navi Mumbai’s latest infrastructure marvel.
