Mumbai got a big gift this Christmas as the long-waited Navi Mumbai International Airport finally started its commercial flights on Thursday, December 25, 2025. After many years of planning and delays, the airport welcomed its first passenger plane – an IndiGo flight from Bengaluru – which landed exactly at 8 am. The plane got a special water cannon salute, a nice tradition in aviation to mark big moments like this.
The Adani Group, which built and runs the airport along with the City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra (CIDCO), called it a proud day for Indian aviation. Gautam Adani, the chairman of Adani Group, was there to welcome the passengers getting off the first flight. He even handed out boarding passes to some people leaving on the next flights. “This airport shows the hard work of thousands of people,” Adani said in a statement. “It will help Mumbai grow more and make travel easier for everyone.”
Soon after landing, the same plane turned around and became the first departure from the new airport, flying to Hyderabad at 8:40 am. This quick turnaround showed that everything was running smoothly from day one.
A Much-Needed Second Airport for Mumbai
Mumbai’s main airport, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, has been very busy for years. It handles millions of passengers and often gets crowded, especially during peak times. The new Navi Mumbai airport, also called NMIA, will share the load and give travellers more choices.
In its first phase, the airport can handle 20 million passengers every year. That’s a big help already. When all phases are done, it will manage up to 90 million passengers and a lot of cargo too. The terminal looks modern, with a design inspired by the lotus flower, mixing Indian culture with new technology.
On the opening day, four airlines started flying: IndiGo, Air India Express, Akasa Air, and Star Air. They operated about 30 flights connecting to nine cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Goa, Ahmedabad, Kochi, and more. IndiGo had the most flights, linking to places like Jaipur, Lucknow, and Chennai as well.
Passengers who flew on the first day were happy. One traveller said, “The terminal is clean and big. It feels new and fresh. Much better than the old crowded airport.” Another person added, “Travel time might be a bit more from some parts of Mumbai, but it’s worth it for the comfort.”
Years of Hard Work Behind the Scenes
The idea for a second airport in Navi Mumbai started way back in 1997. It took time because of land issues and other problems. Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone in 2018 and inaugurated the airport building on October 8 this year. But flights could only start after all tests and approvals.
The project is a partnership – Adani Group has 74% share, and CIDCO has 26%. Building it cost a lot, and thousands of workers put in day and night efforts. Adani Group highlighted the human story, saying many villagers gave land for the airport and now their area will grow.
In a nice gesture, Air India Express gave free joyrides to some villagers who lost land for the project. This showed respect for the local people who made the airport possible.
What Passengers Can Expect Now
For now, the airport runs from 8 am to 8 pm, about 12 hours a day. From next year, it will go to 24-hour operations. There is one runway and one terminal. Shops and food places inside focus on local tastes and are not too costly.
Getting to the airport is mostly by road right now. Taxis, buses, and cabs are available. Soon, better roads, metro links, and even train connections will make it easier.
Some passengers noted small issues like ongoing construction nearby, but overall, everyone was excited. “It’s a big step for Navi Mumbai,” said one local flyer.
Community Touch and Future Plans
There was also talk about naming the airport after late leader D.B. Patil, who helped farmers during land acquisition. His family members were on the first flight and renewed the demand. Maharashtra government has proposed it, and it’s under review.
Looking ahead, more airlines will join, and international flights might start by March or April next year. The airport will create many jobs and boost business in Navi Mumbai and nearby areas.
Gautam Adani said, “Mumbai was struggling with just one airport for too long. Now, with NMIA, the city can fly higher.” Airline bosses also praised it. IndiGo said it will add more flights soon to make travel smooth between the two Mumbai airports.
This opening is not just about flights. It’s about giving Mumbai a better future in air travel, making things less crowded and more comfortable for all of us who fly often.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When did Navi Mumbai International Airport start commercial operations?
The airport started commercial flights on December 25, 2025. The first flight landed at 8 am from Bengaluru.
Which was the first flight at Navi Mumbai Airport?
It was IndiGo flight 6E460 from Bengaluru. It got a water cannon salute on landing, and then flew out to Hyderabad as the first departure.
Which airlines are flying from Navi Mumbai Airport now?
IndiGo, Air India Express, Akasa Air, and Star Air. They connect to cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Goa, Ahmedabad, Kochi, Jaipur, Lucknow, and more.
How many passengers can the airport handle?
In the first phase, it can handle 20 million passengers per year. When fully built, it will manage 90 million passengers annually.
How to reach Navi Mumbai International Airport?
Right now, mostly by road – taxis, cabs, or buses. It’s about 35-50 km from different parts of Mumbai. Better connections like metro and trains are coming soon.
Will there be international flights soon?
Yes, expected to start in a few months, maybe by March 2026.
Is the airport open 24 hours?
Not yet. It runs 12 hours a day now, but will become 24/7 from early next year.
Why is this airport important for Mumbai?
Mumbai’s old airport is very busy and often full. This new one will reduce crowding, add more flights, and help the whole region grow.
Who built the Navi Mumbai Airport?
It’s a partnership between Adani Group (74%) and CIDCO (26%). Adani handles operations.
Any special things for local people?
Yes, some villagers got free flights as thanks for giving land. There is also talk of naming it after D.B. Patil for his help to farmers.