January 26, 2026: After years of planning and four years of construction, Mumbai’s second airport became operational last Christmas, marking a milestone in the region’s aviation infrastructure. The Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), located in Ulwe in Raigad district, was inaugurated in early October 2025 and began commercial operations in December. Managed by Adani Airports, NMIA is intended to ease pressure on the heavily burdened Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), which has long operated at near-maximum capacity with a single active runway.
At present, only a limited portion of Terminal 1 at NMIA is open, catering exclusively to domestic passengers. Four airlines—IndiGo, Air India Express, Akasa Air and Star Air—are operating from the airport. Together, they offer connections to 14 destinations across the country, including metros such as Delhi and Bengaluru, as well as smaller centres like Nanded in Maharashtra.
International operations remain some distance away. Officials indicate that overseas flights are unlikely to begin for at least another six months, and no international airline has yet announced services to or from Navi Mumbai. As a result, the airport’s role for now is confined to domestic travel and capacity relief.
A recent work trip through NMIA highlighted both the promise and the limitations of the new facility. For passengers living in the suburbs of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, the airport offers the long-term advantage of reduced travel times and more manageable arrival schedules, avoiding the cross-city commute often associated with flights into Mumbai’s primary airport.
However, the airport is still finding its footing. With only part of the terminal operational and limited airline presence, choices remain restricted. Supporting infrastructure and services are also evolving as passenger volumes gradually increase.
In its current phase, NMIA represents a partial but important step toward balancing Mumbai’s air traffic demands. While it already delivers some convenience benefits, particularly for suburban residents, its full impact will only become clear once additional terminals open, more airlines come on board, and international operations commence.
