In a quiet yet significant operational shift, the Navi Mumbai International Airport has expanded its daily operations from 12 hours to a full 24-hour schedule, effective this past Saturday. This move comes just over a month after the airport commenced handling airline flights on December 25, 2023, initially operating from 8 am to 8 pm.
Current Flight Schedule and Future Expansion Plans
Although no night flights are currently scheduled, the airport's extended hours now accommodate a last daily arrival at 9:50 pm and a first departure at 7:10 am. An aviation source revealed that only two additional flights have been introduced for now, but airlines are expected to gradually stretch their schedules in the coming days and weeks.
A substantial increase in flight volumes is anticipated after the end of March, coinciding with the commencement of the airline summer schedule. This expansion aligns with the airport's growing passenger traffic, which recently crossed a key milestone.
Operational Milestones and Capacity Enhancements
On January 12, the Navi Mumbai airport celebrated handling a total of 1 lakh passengers within just 19 days of its opening. Currently, the number of air traffic movements is capped at 10 landings or take-offs per hour. However, sources indicate that this capacity will double to 20 flights per hour starting from April, further boosting the airport's operational efficiency.
Contrast with Global Airport Practices
Unlike many airports in Europe and the United States, which typically shut down overnight between 11 pm and 5 am to comply with noise pollution curfews, major Indian airports, including Navi Mumbai, remain open 24/7. This practice provides stranded passengers with a safe and secure place to stay overnight, eliminating the need to vacate terminals during closure hours.
The transition to round-the-clock operations positions Navi Mumbai airport as a key aviation hub in the Mumbai metropolitan region, poised to handle increased traffic and support the growing demand for air travel in India.
