Mumbai, Maharashtra, 25th of December 2025 : Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) commenced commercial operations today, marking a landmark expansion of Mumbai’s aviation capacity and a decisive step in India’s infrastructure journey. With NMIA now operational, Mumbai joins global aviation cities such as London, New York, Moscow, Tokyo and Shanghai—each supported by multiple airports to meet rising demand. For the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), this signals the start of a true multi-airport system designed for scale, resilience and the future.
Developed and operated by Adani Airports Holdings Limited (AAHL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL), NMIA is among India’s largest greenfield airport projects. Conceived to ease congestion at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), the project underscores the Adani Group’s ability to deliver complex, nation-building infrastructure in record time.
The inaugural commercial arrival—IndiGo flight 6E460 from Bengaluru—landed at 08:00 hours to a traditional water cannon salute. On Day One, NMIA handled 48 flights connecting nine domestic destinations, serving over 4,000 passengers, with peak traffic recorded between 05:00 and 07:00 hours, reflecting strong early demand and operational readiness from the outset.
Chairman Gautam Adani personally welcomed passengers from the inaugural flight and interacted with airport staff, frontline workers and first-time flyers. He later joined a ceremonial walk through the departure terminal with airport employees, community representatives and Adani Foundation beneficiaries. The launch concluded with a flag-hoisting ceremony led by Param Vir Chakra awardees Captain Bana Singh and Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar, followed by the national anthem. Leading sportspersons Suryakumar Yadav, Mithali Raj and Sunil Chhetri, along with social influencers Malini Agarwal and Viraj Ghelani, were present.
Mr Adani said welcoming NMIA’s first passengers alongside the Param Vir Chakra awardees offered a glimpse of India now taking shape. Standing with workers, farmers, social workers and colleagues with disabilities, he said, captured the spirit of a nation moving forward with confidence and compassion. Calling it “a proud day for Mumbai and for India,” he added that NMIA stands as a promise of what the country can achieve when ambition is guided by purpose and delivered with speed and execution.
Airline leadership from IndiGo, Air India Express and Akasa Air participated in the launch, confirming the start of scheduled departures from Navi Mumbai. Cultural performances featuring traditional Maharashtrian Lezim (folk dance), Dhol (percussion drums) and Tutari (ceremonial wind instrument) added a strong local flavour, offering visitors a vivid glimpse into Maharashtra’s cultural heritage. Farmers, underprivileged families and colleagues with disabilities experienced their first-ever flight through a special chartered aerial tour of Mumbai. India Post also released a commemorative First Flight Carried Special Cover featuring the NMIA terminal, flown on an IndiGo service to Goa.
Jeet Adani, Director, AAHL, said NMIA establishes a resilient multi-airport system for the MMR, boosting capacity, enhancing passenger experience and future- proofing the region’s aviation growth.
On the eve of operations, NMIA’s skyline came alive with a drone spectacle featuring 1,515 synchronised drones themed Rise of India. The display showcased a 3D lotus, the airport’s iconic design, sustainability themes and a soaring aircraft, witnessed by young athletes, NMIA teams and community members together.
About Navi Mumbai International Airport Limited
Navi Mumbai International Airport Private Limited (NMIAL) is a special purpose vehicle established for the development, construction, operation, and maintenance of the greenfield international airport project at Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra. NMIAL is a Public Private Partnership (PPP) between Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL), a subsidiary of Adani Airports Holdings Limited (AAHL), which holds the majority stake of 74 percent, while the City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra Limited (CIDCO), a Government of Maharashtra undertaking, holds the remaining 26 percent.
Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) (IATA: NMI; ICAO: VANM), is set to become one of the busiest and most significant aviation hubs in India. Located in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, NMIA is strategically positioned to cater to the burgeoning air traffic demands of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and Western India. Spanning over 1,160 hectares (2,866 acres), on completion, NMIA is designed to handle 90 million passenger per annum (MPPA). The airport will feature two parallel runways, state-of-the-art terminal buildings, and advanced cargo facilities, ensuring seamless passenger experience and efficient cargo handling. NMIA is set to be a greenfield airport with sustainable and eco-friendly infrastructure, incorporating renewable energy sources and green building practices. The fluid and futuristic design is influenced by the Lotus, India’s national flower.
In the initial phase, NMIA will have the capacity to manage 20 MPPA and 0.5 million metric tonnes of cargo annually. NMIA is committed to setting new benchmarks in operational efficiency, sustainability, and passenger satisfaction. With its modern infrastructure and strategic location, NMIA is poised to become a prominent gateway to India and a significant player in the global aviation industry.
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