Water Salute Marks First Landing as Navi Mumbai International Airport Begins Commercial Flight Operations
First Commercial Flight from Bengaluru Lands on Christmas Day
Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) officially began commercial flight operations on December 25, 2025, marking a major milestone for India’s aviation sector and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
The first scheduled arrival was IndiGo flight 6E460 from Bengaluru. The aircraft landed in the morning and was welcomed with a traditional water cannon salute, a ceremonial honour given to inaugural flights.
Before the landing, airline staff marked the occasion by cutting a cake and breaking coconuts, a customary practice to seek good fortune.
First Departure Takes Off Soon After
Shortly after the first arrival, IndiGo flight 6E882 to Hyderabad took off, becoming the first commercial departure from Navi Mumbai International Airport.
With this, NMIA officially joined India’s network of operational airports, handling both arrivals and departures on its opening day.
Airlines and Destinations on Opening Day
Several airlines began services from the new airport on Day One. These included:
- IndiGo
- Air India Express
- Akasa Air
- Star Air
The flights connected Navi Mumbai to major domestic cities, helping expand travel options for passengers in the region.
During the initial phase, the airport operated flights for limited daily hours while gradually increasing capacity.
Key Facilities and Operational Details at Navi Mumbai Airport
Navi Mumbai International Airport currently operates with:
- One runway
- Terminal 1, handling domestic passengers
- Digital and traditional check-in systems, including Digi Yatra
- Passenger facilities such as food outlets, retail areas, and waiting lounges
In its first phase, the airport is expected to handle around 20 million passengers annually, with capacity set to increase in later phases.
Project Background and Development
The idea for a second airport for Mumbai was first proposed in 1997 by the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO).
The foundation stone for the project was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018. Phase 1 of the airport was inaugurated earlier in October 2025, ahead of the start of commercial operations.
The airport has been developed under a public-private partnership between Adani Airports Holdings Limited and CIDCO.
Importance for Mumbai and the Region
The launch of Navi Mumbai International Airport is expected to:
- Reduce congestion at Mumbai’s existing airport
- Improve air connectivity for Navi Mumbai and surrounding areas
- Support growth in tourism, trade, and business travel
Once fully developed, NMIA is planned to handle up to 90 million passengers per year, making it one of India’s largest airports.
