Navi Mumbai Airport Takes Off: IndiGo, Akasa Air Ready for December Launch

Updated: November 15, 2025 19:33

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Navi Mumbai International Airport, inaugurated in October 2025, will commence commercial flight operations from December 25, 2025. IndiGo and Akasa Air will lead the launch, offering flights connecting major Indian cities. The airport aims to ease congestion at Mumbai's main airport and enhance India’s global aviation connectivity.

The long-anticipated Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is poised to begin commercial operations starting December 25, 2025, following its grand inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in October. As India’s newest aviation gateway, NMIA aims to decongest Mumbai’s existing airport and stake Mumbai’s claim as a global aviation hub.

Key Highlights:

Official Start Date: Flight operations kick off December 25, 2025, with IndiGo and Akasa Air as launch carriers. Both airlines have already opened bookings for routes including Delhi, Goa, Kochi, Ahmedabad, and more, signaling robust service expansions from Day 1.

Modern Infrastructure: The airport's first phase features Terminal 1, Runway 1, 29 aero bridges, and capacity to handle 10 aircraft movements per hour initially, with plans to scale up operations gradually across four terminals and two parallel runways designed for 90 million passengers annually.

Strategic Importance: NMIA places Mumbai alongside major twin-airport cities worldwide like London and Dubai, enabling direct international connections lacking currently and facilitating east-to-west routes, crucial for India’s aviation growth.

Airline Commitments: Along with IndiGo and Akasa Air, Air India group plans significant operations at NMIA, boosting domestic and international linkages. Akasa Air stands out with plans to scale up to 300 domestic and 50 international flights weekly by 2026.

Transition and Testing: Post-inauguration, NMIA underwent extensive security sweeps and compliance checks managed by the CISF. Final preparations included customs, immigration, and operational testing to ensure a seamless passenger experience.

Passenger Experience: Initial flight timings will be from 8 am to 8 pm, with expansions foreseen as operations stabilize. The airport provides modern amenities and efficient connectivity aimed at enhancing traveler comfort.

Navi Mumbai International Airport’s operational launch marks a transformative phase for India’s aviation sector, expanding capacity, improving passenger convenience, and enabling Mumbai to compete on a global scale.

Sources: Indian Express, Live from a Lounge, News18, NDTV, Financial Express