After decades of planning and development, the greenfield Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is set to commence commercial operations from Thursday, marking a major milestone in Maharashtra’s infrastructure expansion.
The City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO), the implementing agency for the project, said in a statement on Tuesday that the airport will handle 30 air traffic movements (arrivals and departures) on the first day of operations. The launch is expected to significantly reduce congestion at Mumbai’s existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and establish a robust multi-airport aviation system for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
“The commencement of operations at the Navi Mumbai International Airport reflects the Maharashtra government and CIDCO’s sustained commitment to infrastructure development,” Vijay Singhal, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of CIDCO, said. He added that the project symbolises futuristic infrastructure, inclusive growth, and enhanced global connectivity.
Developed by the Adani Group through Navi Mumbai International Airport Ltd (NMIAL), the airport features a lotus-inspired terminal design, blending sustainability with innovation while reflecting India’s cultural ethos.
According to CIDCO, the airport’s operations are expected to act as a catalyst for regional economic growth, boosting tourism and attracting investments across Navi Mumbai and nearby regions such as Pune, Thane, Panvel, Raigad, and the Konkan belt.
A key highlight of the project is its strategic multimodal connectivity, with access through the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), national highways, suburban railway networks, and upcoming metro corridors.
On the first day, major airlines including IndiGo, Akasa Air, Air India Express, and Star Air will operate flights from the airport. IndiGo’s flight 6E 460 from Bengaluru will be the first arrival at 8:00 am, while flight 6E 882 to Hyderabad will mark the first departure at 8:40 am.
