Operational Details
During its initial phase, NMIA will operate between 8 am and 8 pm, handling up to 24 scheduled daily departures to 13 destinations. The airport is equipped to manage 10 aircraft movements per hour. From February 2026, operations are expected to scale up to round-the-clock services, significantly boosting Mumbai’s aviation capacity.
IndiGo announced plans to connect NMIA with 13 domestic destinations between December 25 and December 30, including Delhi, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Chennai, Goa (Mopa), and Cochin. Peak traffic on day one was recorded between 5 am and 7 am, reflecting strong demand and operational readiness.
Adani Group’s Role
Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani welcomed passengers from the maiden flight and interacted with airport staff, frontline workers, and first-time flyers. He described the inauguration as “a proud day for Mumbai and for India,” adding that NMIA represents what the country can achieve when ambition is guided by purpose and executed with speed.
As part of the celebrations, farmers, underprivileged families, and persons 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.
Global Benchmark
With NMIA now operational, Mumbai joins global aviation hubs such as London, New York, Moscow, Tokyo, and Shanghai, each supported by multiple airports to meet rising demand. The project is being developed in phases under Navi Mumbai International Airport Ltd, a special purpose vehicle in which the Adani Group holds a 74 percent stake and CIDCO owns the remaining 26 percent.
Experts believe NMIA will play a crucial role in supporting India’s growing aviation sector, which has witnessed rapid expansion in passenger traffic. The airport’s phased development is expected to include international connectivity, cargo facilities, and advanced passenger amenities in the coming years.
Future Outlook
The successful launch of NMIA is expected to ease pressure on Mumbai’s existing airport, which has long struggled with capacity constraints. As operations expand, NMIA is likely to emerge as a key hub for domestic and international travel, strengthening India’s position in global aviation.
