Is Navi Mumbai International Airport Set to Commence Operations on December 25?
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Synopsis
The Navi Mumbai International Airport is set to begin operations on Christmas Day, December 25. This new hub will enhance travel in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region with 23 daily departures and promises a seamless experience for passengers right from its launch.
Key Takeaways
- Navi Mumbai International Airport opens on December 25.
- 23 scheduled daily departures initially.
- Operated by IndiGo, Air India Express, and Akasa Air.
- Transition to 24/7 operations starting February 2026.
- Focus on passenger safety and comfort from the outset.
Mumbai, Nov 18 (NationPress) Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) — India's latest Greenfield airport – is officially set to commence commercial operations on December 25 (Christmas Day) with 23 scheduled daily departures, as announced on Tuesday.
Initially, NMIA will operate for 12 hours daily — from 08:00 to 20:00 — accommodating 23 scheduled departures.
During this inaugural period, the airport is expected to manage up to 10 flight movements each hour.
The first flight to arrive at NMIA will be IndiGo flight 6E460 from Bengaluru, slated to land at 8:00 AM. Soon after, IndiGo flight 6E882 will take off for Hyderabad at 8:40 AM, marking the first outbound service from the newly established airport.
During the launch phase, passengers can avail themselves of services from IndiGo, Air India Express, and Akasa Air, linking Mumbai to 16 prominent domestic destinations, according to airport officials.
Starting in February 2026, NMIA will transition to 24/7 operations, expanding to 34 daily departures to cater to the growing demands of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
NMIA is currently conducting thorough Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) trials in cooperation with all stakeholders, including security agencies and airline partners.
To bolster its preparedness, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) was officially deployed at NMIA on October 29, 2025, overseeing key airport functions.
The airport's grand inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 8 marked the beginning of a meticulously planned operational rollout, emphasizing passenger safety, reliability, and comfort right from the start.
This launch will significantly enhance the aviation capacity needed for the expanding requirements of the MMR.
Navi Mumbai International Airport Private Limited (NMIAL) is a special purpose vehicle created for the development, construction, operation, and maintenance of this Greenfield international airport project.
NMIAL operates as a public-private partnership (PPP), with Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL), a subsidiary of Adani Airports Holdings Limited (AAHL), holding a 74% majority stake, while the City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra Limited (CIDCO) possesses the remaining 26%.
Point of View
I affirm that the launch of the Navi Mumbai International Airport is a significant milestone for the nation, addressing the rising aviation demands in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. This development is poised to enhance connectivity, boost the economy, and ensure a comfortable travel experience for passengers.
NationPress
18/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Navi Mumbai International Airport start operations?
Navi Mumbai International Airport will commence operations on December 25, Christmas Day, with 23 scheduled daily departures.
What airlines will operate at NMIA initially?
Initially, NMIA will feature services from IndiGo, Air India Express, and Akasa Air.
How many flights will NMIA handle in its first month?
NMIA will handle 23 scheduled daily departures during its initial month of operations.
What are the operational hours for NMIA in the first month?
In the first month, NMIA will operate from 08:00 to 20:00 daily.
When will NMIA operate 24/7?
NMIA is expected to transition to round-the-clock operations starting February 2026.
