Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) formally entered India’s aviation network on Christmas morning with the arrival of its first commercial passenger flight. The landmark event marked the beginning of scheduled operations at one of the country’s largest greenfield airport projects.
IndiGo flight 6E460, operating from Bengaluru, landed at NMIA at 8:00 am on December 25. Airport fire tenders welcomed the aircraft with a water cannon salute, a traditional aviation gesture reserved for inaugural or milestone flights. The aircraft taxied under arcs of water as ground staff and airline officials watched the historic moment.
Shortly after the arrival, NMIA handled its first outbound commercial service. IndiGo flight 6E882 departed for Hyderabad at 8:40 am, confirming the airport’s readiness for two-way operations.
Festive Launch Marks Years of Preparation
Airport officials and airline staff marked the occasion with traditional celebrations. IndiGo personnel cut a cake and performed a coconut-breaking ritual before the first landing, a customary practice to mark auspicious beginnings in India. The festive mood reflected both the significance of the day and the long journey behind the airport’s development.
The airport opened on Christmas Day, adding to the sense of celebration. Officials described the launch as a major step forward for aviation infrastructure in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
Adani Group Outlines Vision for NMIA
The Adani Group, which operates NMIA, shared updates on social media highlighting the airport’s long-term vision. The group said the facility would transform air travel not only for Mumbai but for the country as a whole.
“A new era for Indian aviation begins today,” the Adani Group said. “Navi Mumbai International Airport stands ready to serve passengers after years of planning and execution. When fully developed, the airport will handle up to 90 million passengers annually.”
Adani Airports Holdings Limited (AAHL) developed the airport in partnership with the City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra (CIDCO) under a public-private partnership model. AAHL, a subsidiary of Adani Enterprises Limited, assumed responsibility for construction and operational readiness in 2021.
Passenger-Centric Design and Operations
Jeet Adani told NDTV Profit that the airport focuses strongly on passenger experience. He said the team designed every aspect of the terminal with travellers in mind.
“The airport serves everyone, from first-time flyers to frequent business travellers,” he said. “We paid attention to food options, art, design, and hospitality.”
Architects drew inspiration from India’s national flower, the lotus, while designing the terminal. The structure combines cultural identity with modern aesthetics. Developers also included sustainability features such as energy-efficient systems and environmentally conscious construction practices.
A Project Decades in the Making
CIDCO first proposed the Navi Mumbai airport in 1997 to reduce pressure on Mumbai’s existing airport. The project faced repeated delays due to land acquisition issues, environmental approvals, and logistical challenges.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone in 2018. The government inaugurated the airport earlier this year on October 8. Construction continued despite major disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which slowed work for nearly two years.
After almost eight years of active development, NMIA has now entered the operational phase.
Easing Congestion in Mumbai
Once fully operational, NMIA will help decongest Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, which operates near capacity. Aviation experts say the new airport will improve scheduling flexibility and reduce delays in the region.
The airport will support rising passenger demand from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, one of India’s busiest economic zones. Authorities expect NMIA to play a critical role in boosting trade, tourism, and employment.
Gradual Expansion Planned
Airport officials confirmed that operations will expand in phases. Airlines will add routes gradually as infrastructure and regulatory approvals progress. Domestic flights will lead the rollout, followed by international services.
Industry analysts say the smooth handling of the first landing and departure will build confidence among airlines and passengers. They expect more carriers to announce operations from NMIA in the coming months.
A Milestone for Indian Aviation
The start of commercial operations at Navi Mumbai International Airport marks a major achievement for India’s infrastructure sector. The project reflects growing ambition in aviation, urban planning, and logistics.
With its first aircraft safely on the ground, NMIA has officially joined India’s aviation map. As flight operations scale up, the airport is set to reshape air travel in western India and support the region’s long-term growth.
The successful launch signals that Navi Mumbai International Airport is ready to take on its role as a key gateway for the country’s future.
