The Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) entered commercial service on Thursday, marking a key moment for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Operations began with the arrival of IndiGo flight 6E460 from Bengaluru at 8 am, followed by the first departure to Hyderabad at 8.40 am. The inaugural arrival received a ceremonial water cannon salute.
On its first day, NMIA handled 48 flights to nine domestic destinations and served more than 4,000 passengers, with the heaviest traffic recorded between 5 pm and 7 pm. The airport is expected to ease pressure on Mumbai’s existing airport, which has long operated with a single runway and manages around 950 flights every day.
Aviation personnel highlighted the airport’s distinct identity, noting that “Navi” is the official call sign used in radio communication between pilots and air traffic control. Officials confirmed that the first flight was formally handed over to the Navi Mumbai tower with a welcome message to pilots.
Passengers, however, reported initial issues. Inadequate road signage at several junctions led some motorists to the cargo terminal instead of the passenger terminal. Ongoing road-widening work near the airport further affected access. While the Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport introduced bus services on five routes, most travellers relied on app-based cabs as taxi and auto stands were not fully functional. Flyers from central Mumbai areas such as Matunga and Dadar flagged the roughly 35 km distance, with complaints about unclear signage on Atal Setu.
Security restricted airport entry to ticketed passengers, despite interest from visitors. Day one operations involved four airlines: IndiGo, Akasa Air, Air India Express and Star Air.
Developed and operated by Adani Airports Holdings Limited, NMIA is among the country’s largest greenfield airport projects. Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani welcomed passengers from the inaugural flight and interacted with staff, calling it a proud moment for Mumbai and India.
The launch featured Maharashtrian cultural performances, including lezim, dhol and tutari. India Post issued a commemorative First Flight Carried Special Cover flown on an IndiGo service to Goa. Meanwhile, demands to name the airport after D B Patil resurfaced, with former MP Sanjeev Naik stating that the proposal reflected local sentiment.
