December 24, 2025: The Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is poised to begin commercial operations on December 25, 2025, marking a landmark moment for Maharashtra’s aviation and infrastructure landscape. With its inaugural flight scheduled for Christmas Day, NMIA is set to emerge as a vital new gateway for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), significantly expanding the region’s air travel capacity.
Developed by the City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra Ltd. (CIDCO), the airport represents years of planning, perseverance and coordinated execution. According to an official statement, NMIA is expected to ease congestion at Mumbai’s existing airport and strengthen the MMR’s multi-airport ecosystem, positioning the region for long-term growth in passenger and cargo traffic.
Ahead of the launch, CIDCO Vice Chairman and Managing Director Vijay Singhal described the commencement of operations as a reflection of the Maharashtra Government’s sustained focus on infrastructure-led development. He termed the airport a symbol of futuristic development, inclusive growth and global connectivity, while congratulating the people of Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra and the country on the milestone.
Planned as a modern greenfield airport, NMIA is CIDCO’s most ambitious project to date. From concept to commissioning, it highlights engineering excellence, sustainability-driven design and close coordination among multiple agencies. Once fully operational, the airport will play a critical role in managing future growth in air traffic while reducing pressure on Mumbai’s existing aviation infrastructure.
CIDCO also acknowledged the role of the Adani Group and Navi Mumbai International Airport Ltd. (NMIAL) in delivering the airport’s iconic lotus-inspired terminal. The terminal design blends India’s cultural heritage with innovation, sustainability and global architectural standards, underscoring strong collaboration between the state government, CIDCO and project partners.
Beyond aviation, NMIA is expected to transform regional mobility and economic development. Improved connectivity will benefit residents of Navi Mumbai and surrounding regions such as Pune, Thane, Panvel, Raigad and the Konkan belt, while generating employment, boosting tourism and attracting investment. Designed with robust multimodal links—including expressways, suburban rail, metro corridors and the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link—the airport is positioned to be among India’s most accessible.
On its first day, NMIA will handle 30 air traffic movements, with services operated by IndiGo, Akasa Air, Air India Express and Star Air. The first arrival will be IndiGo flight 6E 460 from Bengaluru at 8 am, followed by the first departure, IndiGo flight 6E 882 to Hyderabad at 8.40 am.
