Mumbai is poised to enter an elite league of global cities as the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) prepares to commence commercial operations on December 25, 2025. This landmark development will make Mumbai the first Indian city to operate two major international airports simultaneously, joining the ranks of hubs like London, New York, Tokyo, and Paris.
A Mega Infrastructure Project Ready for Takeoff
Built on over 1,160 hectares with a massive investment of ₹19,650 crore, the airport's first phase is now complete. This initial stage includes a single terminal and one runway, designed to manage up to 20 million passengers every year. The primary goal is to significantly reduce the severe congestion currently faced by the existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), which recently recorded a staggering 1,036 aircraft movements in a single day.
The project is a flagship Public-Private Partnership (PPP) spearheaded by Navi Mumbai International Airport Limited (NMIAL). The consortium comprises the Adani Group, holding a 74% stake, and the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) of Maharashtra, which holds the remaining 26%.
Launch Schedule and Initial Operations
The airport will begin with a phased operational schedule. From its opening day on December 25 until January 25, 2026, flight operations will be conducted between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM. During this initial month, the airport will handle 23 scheduled daily departures with a capacity of up to 10 aircraft movements per hour.
The historic first day will see IndiGo flight 6E460 from Bengaluru touch down at 8:00 AM, marking the inaugural arrival. Shortly after, at 8:40 AM, IndiGo flight 6E882 to Hyderabad will become the first passenger flight to depart from NMIA.
Airlines and Expanding Connectivity
From day one, the airport will host three major Indian carriers: IndiGo, Air India Express, and Akasa Air. Together, they will connect the new Mumbai gateway to 16 key domestic destinations. IndiGo has announced plans to further expand its network, adding services to Coimbatore and Chennai starting December 29, followed by Vadodara from December 30.
To ensure a seamless passenger experience from the start, authorities have already conducted a full-scale Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) trial. This drill involved hundreds of real passengers simulating the entire travel process—from check-in and security checks to boarding and baggage reclaim—to test all systems thoroughly.
Future Expansion and Economic Impact
The airport's operations are set to expand rapidly. By February 2026, NMIA is scheduled to transition to round-the-clock (24x7) operations, increasing its daily departures to 34. This is just the beginning of its growth trajectory, with plans to scale it into one of India's highest-capacity passenger and cargo hubs in the coming years.
The inauguration of the airport was performed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 8, 2025. Since then, airlines, security agencies, and ground staff have been in final preparations for the December launch.
Economists and urban planners highlight that NMIA is more than just an airport; it is a growth engine for the entire Mumbai Metropolitan Region. By unlocking critical aviation capacity, it is expected to boost trade, enhance logistics networks, and accelerate regional economic development for decades to come, providing much-needed relief to the saturated existing airport.
