Is IndiGo Partnering with Adani Airports to Launch Operations at Navi Mumbai Airport?

New Delhi, May 28 (NationPress) In a significant development, India’s premier airline IndiGo has formed a partnership with Adani Airport Holdings Ltd. (AAHL), the largest operator of private-public partnership airports in the country. Announced on Wednesday, this collaboration will see the low-cost carrier operate 18 flights from Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) to more than 15 cities starting from the very first day of commercial operations.

Initially, there will be 18 daily departures (36 air traffic movements), which are planned to increase to 79 daily departures (158 air traffic movements), including 14 international departures by November 2025. By March 2026, the flights will exceed 100 daily departures (200 ATMs), and by November 2026, the operations will be further expanded to 140 daily departures (280 ATMs), including 30 international departures, as stated in the joint announcement.

Pieter Elbers, the CEO of IndiGo, expressed enthusiasm by stating, "IndiGo will be the first airline to operate at NMIA, and we are thrilled to announce this. Our partnership signifies complete operational readiness to move forward. This expansion highlights our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our valued travelers and contributing to the growth of India's dynamic aviation sector."

Arun Bansal, CEO of AAHL, remarked on the partnership, saying, "We are excited to welcome IndiGo as our inaugural airline partner at NMIA. This collaboration represents a crucial step in establishing NMIA as a transfer hub for both domestic and international travelers. Together, we are ready to enhance the travel experience for millions, ensuring convenience and more travel options. Our alliance will fortify NMIA’s status as a vital aviation gateway for the region and beyond."

The NMIA is poised to become India’s leading international aviation hub, offering cutting-edge facilities, exceptional passenger experiences, and seamless connectivity. With its strategic positioning and modern infrastructure, NMIA will play a critical role in bolstering India’s global air travel network, according to the statement.

In its initial phase, NMIA is set to accommodate 20 million passengers and handle 0.5 MMT of cargo annually, with the capacity to eventually serve 90 million passengers and manage 3.2 MMT of cargo annually once fully operational.

IndiGo is dedicated to expanding its network by providing both domestic and international destinations from NMIA. To improve connectivity and convenience for its customers, IndiGo is strategically growing its network across the nation, ensuring accessibility for the maximum Indian populace. This expansion reflects IndiGo's commitment to delivering a smooth travel experience and enhanced customer satisfaction.

The inauguration of NMIA will create a dual-airport system in the financial hub of the country, alleviating congestion at Mumbai airport and improving the overall passenger experience. The increased capacity provided by both airports is expected to drive significant economic growth for the Mumbai region and Maharashtra. Upon completion, the airport will cover over 1,160 hectares (2,866 acres) and feature two parallel runways along with state-of-the-art terminal buildings.

The NMIAL is a special-purpose entity established for the development, construction, operation, and maintenance of the greenfield international airport project at Navi Mumbai. NMIAL operates as a Public Private Partnership (PPP) with Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL), a subsidiary of Adani Airports Holdings Limited (AAHL), holding a majority stake of 74 percent, while the City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra Limited (CIDCO), a government undertaking, retains the remaining 26 percent.