India’s aviation landscape entered a transformative phase on December 25, 2025, as the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) commenced commercial operations with the historic arrival of its first flight. The landmark event marked the culmination of extensive planning and development efforts that promise to reshape air travel infrastructure in the country’s financial capital.
The inaugural flight, IndiGo service 6E460 originating from Bengaluru, touched down precisely at 08:00 hours local time, receiving a ceremonial water cannon salute traditionally reserved for significant aviation milestones. This was swiftly followed by the airport’s maiden departure, IndiGo flight 6E882 bound for Hyderabad, which took off at 08:40 hours, completing the facility’s first operational cycle.
In a statement circulated through social media channels, the Adani Group proclaimed the opening as the dawn of ‘a new era for Indian aviation.’ The conglomerate emphasized the strategic importance of NMIA, which is engineered to eventually accommodate 90 million passengers annually upon full completion of all development phases. The project represents a critical infrastructure enhancement designed to benefit not only Mumbai but the entire nation through improved connectivity and reduced congestion.
The preceding evening witnessed a breathtaking drone spectacle that illuminated the night sky with intricate formations, including a blooming lotus motif and airport logo displays. This visually stunning presentation symbolized the integration of design excellence, sustainable practices, and advanced connectivity solutions that characterize the new aviation hub.
Initial flight operations will see Akasa Air connecting Navi Mumbai to four key domestic destinations—Delhi, Kochi, Ahmedabad, and Goa (Mopa). Meanwhile, IndiGo will establish connections to ten cities including Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, Mangalore, and Nagpur, providing substantial network coverage from the facility’s launch period.
The establishment of NMIA creates a dual-airport system for Mumbai, positioning the metropolitan region alongside global aviation hubs like Dubai, New York, and London that operate successful multi-airport models. Projections indicate that by 2032, Mumbai’s combined airport infrastructure—comprising both NMIA and the existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport—will handle between 140 million and 160 million passengers annually, significantly enhancing capacity and operational efficiency for India’s premier financial center.