Navi Mumbai Airport Begins Operations on December 25

Navi Mumbai International Airport Set for Launch on December 25

Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is set to open for commercial operations on December 25 , marking one of India’s most anticipated infrastructure milestones. The new facility is expected to significantly decongest the Mumbai aviation network and strengthen connectivity across western and southern India.

Phase-1 Operations and Daily Flight Capacity

In its opening phase, NMIA will operate flights between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. , managing approximately 100–110 flights per day . IndiGo’s Bengaluru–Navi Mumbai flight will be the first commercial arrival, scheduled for 8 a.m. on December 25 . Authorities expect 8–10 departures per hour , ensuring smooth passenger flow during the early months of operation.

Route Announcements by Airlines

Two airlines— Akasa Air and IndiGo —have begun ticket sales for their initial service networks.

• Akasa Air will connect Navi Mumbai to Delhi, Kochi, Goa (Mopa) and Ahmedabad , though some routes will operate at reduced weekly frequencies.

• IndiGo has rolled out an expansive schedule covering 10 destinations , including Hyd­er­a­bad, Jaipur, Lucknow, Mangalore, Nagpur , along with Delhi, Kochi, Goa and Ahmedabad.

Daily operations are planned for most sectors, marking an aggressive start to NMIA’s commercial rollout.

Future Capacity Expansion by Airlines

Akasa Air has outlined ambitious plans to scale up to 300 domestic and 50 international weekly departures from NMIA in the coming years. The airline also plans to expand its parking bases to ten by FY27 , supporting future routes to the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Air India Express is expected to publish its inaugural schedule shortly.

Exam Facts

• NMIA begins commercial flight operations on December 25 .

• Initial handling capacity: 100–110 flights per day .

• First arrival: IndiGo Bengaluru–Navi Mumbai at 8 a.m.

• Akasa Air and IndiGo have opened bookings on multiple domestic routes.

Boost to Regional Connectivity

The launch of NMIA is projected to greatly reduce load on the Mumbai International Airport, which is operating near saturation. The new facility will improve air travel convenience for residents of Navi Mumbai, Thane and Raigad while supporting regional tourism and business travel. As airlines expand operations, NMIA is poised to evolve into a major aviation hub for western India.