IndiGo and Akasa Air will commence commercial flight operations from the newly inaugurated Navi Mumbai International Airport on December 25, 2025. IndiGo plans daily flights to 10 major cities, while Akasa Air will connect Navi Mumbai with four key destinations, marking a major boost in Mumbai’s aviation infrastructure.
The long-anticipated Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi on October 8, 2025, is set to begin flight operations from December 25, 2025. IndiGo and Akasa Air will be the launch carriers, signaling a new era for air travel in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
Launch Date and Initial Operations:
Both IndiGo and Akasa Air will fly their maiden sorties from NMIA on Christmas Day, December 25. Akasa Air’s first flight will be QP 1831 departing Delhi at 5:25 AM, landing in Navi Mumbai at 8:10 AM. IndiGo’s exact flight timings to key cities are already live across its channels, ensuring seamless bookings.
Routes and Destinations:
IndiGo plans to operate daily flights to 10 cities including Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Goa (Mopa), Jaipur, Nagpur, Cochin, and Mangaluru. Akasa Air will initially fly to Delhi, Goa, Kochi, and Ahmedabad with intentions to scale operations over the next year.
Booking and Ticketing:
Tickets for the new routes are open on the airlines’ websites, apps, and major travel portals, allowing travelers early access to book their flights. The launch is eagerly awaited by business and leisure travelers alike, looking for greater convenience and connectivity.
Infrastructure and Capacity:
NMIA’s first phase includes one terminal and one runway with annual handling capacity estimated at 20 million passengers. It is India’s first fully digital airport, equipped with facial recognition, biometric gates, and advanced baggage systems—highlighting its cutting-edge infrastructure and sustainability features like 47 MW solar power and EV-based transport.
Future Growth Prospects:
IndiGo anticipates scaling up to 18 daily departures from NMIA, while Akasa Air projects expanding up to 300 weekly domestic and 50 international flights in coming years. Air India Express is also poised to join operations, reinforcing the airport’s emerging role as a critical aviation hub.
The launch of flight operations at Navi Mumbai International Airport marks a pivotal moment in Mumbai’s aviation landscape, promising enhanced connectivity, reduced congestion at the main airport, and greater travel options for millions.
Sources: Live from a Lounge, Free Press Journal, Indian Express, Financial Express, Akasa Air