TFP Bureau, Mumbai, December 25, 2025: Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) commenced commercial operations on Thursday, marking a major milestone in India’s aviation and infrastructure landscape and significantly expanding air travel capacity for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
The airport’s inaugural commercial arrival—IndiGo flight 6E460 from Bengaluru—touched down at 8 am to a ceremonial water cannon salute. On its first day of operations, NMIA handled 48 flights connecting nine domestic destinations and served over 4,000 passengers, reflecting strong early demand and operational preparedness.
Chairman of the Adani Group, Gautam Adani, personally welcomed passengers from the first flight and interacted with airport staff, frontline workers and first-time flyers. He also joined a ceremonial walk through the departure terminal with employees, community representatives and beneficiaries of the Adani Foundation. 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.
Calling the opening of NMIA “a proud day for Mumbai and for India,” Mr Adani said the airport symbolises what the country can achieve when ambition is guided by purpose and delivered with speed and execution. He said welcoming the first passengers alongside decorated war heroes and workers from diverse backgrounds reflected the spirit of a confident and inclusive India.
Developed and operated by Adani Airports Holdings Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Adani Enterprises Limited, NMIA is among India’s largest greenfield airport projects and has been delivered in record time. Conceived to decongest Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, NMIA positions Mumbai alongside global aviation hubs such as London, New York and Tokyo, which operate multi-airport systems to meet rising traffic demand.
Airline leadership from IndiGo, Air India Express and Akasa Air participated in the launch, confirming the commencement of scheduled services from Navi Mumbai. Cultural performances showcasing traditional Maharashtrian Lezim, Dhol and Tutari added a strong regional flavour to the occasion. As part of the celebrations, 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.
Jeet Adani, Director of Adani Airports Holdings Limited, said NMIA establishes a resilient and future-ready aviation framework for the MMR, enhancing passenger experience while supporting long-term growth in air traffic and cargo movement.
On the eve of the launch, NMIA’s skyline was illuminated by a drone show featuring 1,515 synchronised drones themed “Rise of India,” showcasing the airport’s lotus-inspired design, sustainability themes and a soaring aircraft motif.
Built over 1,160 hectares, NMIA is designed to handle 90 million passengers annually upon full completion, with two parallel runways, modern terminals and advanced cargo facilities. In its initial phase, the airport has the capacity to manage 20 million passengers per annum and 0.5 million metric tonnes of cargo annually.
With NMIA now operational, a new gateway has opened for Mumbai and western India, reinforcing the city’s status as a global aviation hub and signalling India’s readiness to fly higher on the world stage.
