The wait is finally over! Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) has officially commenced commercial operations as of December 25, 2025. This landmark opening marks the beginning of a dual-airport system for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, significantly easing the congestion at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA). The inauguration of the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) was a two-part historic event, combining a formal grand opening by national leaders and a vibrant ceremonial start to commercial flight operations.
The Official Grand Opening (October 8, 2025)
The airport was formally inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 8, 2025.
Symbolism: The Prime Minister highlighted the airport’s lotus-inspired design, which represents India's cultural heritage.
Vision: During the ceremony, he emphasized that NMIA would transform the Mumbai Metropolitan Region into a global connectivity hub, particularly benefiting farmers and MSMEs by linking them to international markets.
Key Attendees: The event was attended by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani.
The Commercial Launch (December 25, 2025)
The actual flight operations began yesterday, on Christmas Day, with a series of traditional and grand celebrations:
The First Landing: At 8:00 AM, the first commercial flight—IndiGo 6E 460 from Bengaluru—touched down. It was greeted with a spectacular water cannon salute on the runway.
Special Guests: The launch was honored by the presence of Param Vir Chakra awardees Captain Bana Singh and Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar, who participated in a flag-hoisting ceremony.
Cultural Flair: The terminal was alive with local Maharashtrian culture, featuring Lezim folk dances, the sounding of the Tutari (ceremonial wind instrument), and Dhol-Tasha performances.
Community Touch: In a heartwarming gesture, the Adani Foundation organized a special chartered aerial tour of Mumbai for local farmers, underprivileged families, and colleagues with disabilities to celebrate their first-ever flight.
Day 1 Statistics
The airport hit the ground running with impressive numbers on its first day:
Flights: 48 aircraft movements (arrivals and departures).
Passengers: Over 4,000 travelers passed through the gates.
Connectivity: Nine domestic destinations were connected on the very first day.
Whether you are a business traveler or a tourist, staying updated on the Navi Mumbai Airport Flight Routes is essential for planning your next trip. In its initial phase, the airport is operating between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM, hosting major domestic carriers like IndiGo, Akasa Air, Air India Express, and Star Air.
Navi Mumbai Airport Flight Routes and Schedule
Below is the comprehensive flight schedule for the newly operational Navi Mumbai International Airport. The airport currently connects to key hubs across India, including Delhi, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, and Goa.
Time | Airline | Flight Number | Destination |
08:00 | IndiGo | 6E 460 | Bangalore (BLR) |
08:10 | Air India Express | IX 2914 | Bangalore (BLR) |
08:10 | Akasa Air | QP 1831 | New Delhi (DEL) |
08:15 | IndiGo | 6E 829 | Lucknow (LKO) |
08:45 | IndiGo | 6E 6346 | New Delhi (DEL) |
10:00 | IndiGo | 6E 907 | Kochi (COK) |
12:05 | IndiGo | 6E 884 | Hyderabad (HYD) |
13:00 | IndiGo | 6E 836 | Ahmedabad (AMD) |
13:25 | Air India Express | IX 2152 | New Delhi (DEL) |
13:30 | Star Air | S5 703 | Ahmedabad (AMD) |
16:15 | Star Air | S5 707 | Mopa (GOX) |
17:00 | Akasa Air | QP 1928 | Mopa (GOX) |
17:35 | IndiGo | 6E 818 | Nagpur (NAG) |
17:45 | IndiGo | 6E 866 | Mangalore (IXE) |
18:50 | IndiGo | 6E 2055 | Mopa (GOX) |
How to Reach Mumbai from Navi Mumbai Airport
The airport is strategically located in Ulwe, offering multiple transit options to reach different parts of Mumbai and the surrounding suburbs:
By Road (Atal Setu): The MTHL (Atal Setu) is the fastest way to reach South Mumbai. It connects Navi Mumbai to Sewri in roughly 20-30 minutes.
By Taxi/Cabs: App-based services like Uber and Ola, as well as prepaid taxis, are available at the arrival gates. Expect a 60–90 minute drive to Western Suburbs via the Sion-Panvel Highway during peak hours.
By Local Train: The nearest railway stations are Targhar (on the Nerul-Belapur-Uran line) and Khandeshwar (Harbour Line). From here, you can take a local train towards CSMT or Thane.
By Bus: BEST and NMMT operate dedicated AC bus services from the airport to key hubs like Vashi, Thane, and Dadar.
Future Outlook
By February 2026, Navi Mumbai International Airport is expected to scale up to 24/7 operations, introducing international flight routes to destinations like Dubai, Singapore, and London. With a planned capacity of 90 million passengers per year by 2029, NMIA is set to become one of Asia's premier aviation hubs.
