The Navi Mumbai International Airport began commercial flight operations on Thursday, marking an important milestone for India’s civil aviation sector and boosting air travel capacity in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
The first commercial arrival, IndiGo flight 6E460 from Bengaluru, touched down at 8 am and was greeted with a ceremonial water cannon salute, a traditional aviation welcome in which fire tenders spray water over the aircraft as it taxis.
Ahead of the historic landing, IndiGo staff marked the occasion by cutting a cake and breaking coconuts, following customary auspicious rituals.
The airport’s first departure followed soon after, with IndiGo flight 6E882 to Hyderabad taking off at 8:40 am.
First flights and airline operations
On the first day, four airlines will operate around 30 domestic flights from India’s newest greenfield airport. The first scheduled arrival was an IndiGo flight from Bengaluru, it was landed at 8 am. The first departure was also an IndiGo flight, that left Navi Mumbai for Hyderabad at 8.40 am.
We have opened up our skies to the world.
The first touchdown at #NMIA marks a defining moment as Navi Mumbai International Airport welcomes its first commercial flight with a ceremonial water cannon salute, officially commencing scheduled passenger operations.… pic.twitter.com/EPCGMsy6jy
— Navi Mumbai International Airport (@navimumairport) December 25, 2025
“On Day One, domestic services will be operated by IndiGo, Air India Express, Akasa Air and Star Air connecting NMIA to nine destinations across India. The airport will handle 15 scheduled departures on the first day,” TOI reported quoting an official spokesperson.
IndiGo, as the primary operator at NMIA, is launching the largest flight network from the airport. Its first flight, 6E 460 from Bengaluru, is set to be NMIA’s very first commercial arrival at around 8:00 am. Air India Express, owned by the Tata group, is aiming at early morning business travelers. Its first flight to Bengaluru, will depart at 8:55 am, making it convenient for people traveling to and from Navi Mumbai’s growing business areas.
Regional airline Star Air is focusing on direct connections to smaller cities with its Embraer 175 aircraft. On the first day, it will start a key service to Nanded, giving the region better access. Star Air will also operate flights to Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, and Goa (Mopa).
Initial operating hours and future expansion
“During the initial phase, NMIA will operate between 8 am and 8 pm, with up to 24 scheduled daily departures to 13 destinations and the capability to manage up to 10 aircraft movements per hour. From Feb 2026, operations are planned to progressively scale up to round-the-clock services,” the spokesperson said.
Additionally, the passenger services from day one will be supported by Digi Yatra-enabled contactless processing at designated touchpoints. Passengers who do not opt for Digi Yatra will also be able to use regular check-in counters, the outlet reported citing officials.
The airport said retail stores and food and beverage outlets have been planned with a focus on affordability and local tastes.
In the initial phase, NMIA will operate with Terminal 1 and one runway. The terminal has an annual capacity of 20 million passengers, a number the airport is expected to reach before mid-2026. The building can also handle an additional 2–3 million passengers beyond its declared capacity. The new airport is located about 45–50 km from North Mumbai, 35–40 km from South Mumbai and 35–45 km from the eastern suburbs.
Live Updates
Navi Mumbai Airport first day flights live: 30 domestic flights to operate as services begin today
Navi Mumbai International airport live: NMIA begins airside ops with ceremonial first flight
Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) officially commenced its airside operations on December 25, 2025, marked by the arrival of its first commercial flight. IndiGo flight 6E460 from Bengaluru touched down at 08:00 hrs and was greeted with a traditional water cannon salute. The airport’s inaugural departure, IndiGo flight 6E882 to Hyderabad, took off at 08:40 hrs, completing NMIA’s first arrival and departure cycle.
Navi Mumbai International airport live: Air India Express aims at early commuters
Air India Express focuses on early morning flights to support business travelers. The flight to Bengaluru departing at 8:55 am demonstrates the airline’s intent to align with the schedules of professionals commuting from Navi Mumbai, ensuring timely travel without compromising efficiency or convenience.
Navi Mumbai International airport live: NMIA boosts Mumbai’s air travel capacity
NMIA adds significant capacity to Mumbai’s air travel network, which has long been constrained at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. The new airport is expected to ease congestion, reduce delays, and accommodate future growth in passenger traffic, particularly as Mumbai continues to expand as a commercial and financial hub.
Navi Mumbai International airport live: Four airlines to operate on launch day
Today, NMIA will see services from IndiGo, Air India Express, Akasa Air, and Star Air. The airlines together will operate about 30 domestic flights connecting the new airport to nine destinations. This mix of carriers ensures a balanced offering for passengers, covering both business-centric and regional travel demands.
Navi Mumbai International airport live: Location overview of NMIA
The airport is strategically located 45–50 km from North Mumbai, 35–40 km from South Mumbai, and 35–45 km from the eastern suburbs. This central positioning ensures that residents across the Mumbai metropolitan region can access NMIA with relative ease, supporting both business and leisure travel while reducing congestion at the city’s main airport.
Navi Mumbai International airport live: Phase one
NMIA will initially operate with Terminal 1 and a single runway. Terminal 1 is designed to handle 20 million passengers annually, with the flexibility to manage an additional 2–3 million travelers beyond its declared capacity. The infrastructure is built to accommodate future growth while maintaining operational efficiency during the early stages.
Navi Mumbai International airport live: Affordable retail and dining options
The airport has planned retail stores and food and beverage outlets with a focus on affordability and local tastes. Passengers can access a variety of shopping and dining experiences without leaving the terminal. This strategy aims to cater to both budget-conscious travelers and those seeking premium options, enhancing overall passenger satisfaction.
Navi Mumbai International airport live: Digi Yatra-enabled contactless services at NMIA
NMIA passengers can enjoy Digi Yatra-enabled contactless processing at designated touchpoints, offering a seamless airport experience. Those not using Digi Yatra will still have access to regular check-in counters. This dual approach ensures convenience for all passengers while promoting modern, paperless travel procedures in line with India’s aviation digitalization initiatives.
Navi Mumbai International airport live: Initial operating hours
During its early phase, NMIA will operate from 8 am to 8 pm, accommodating up to 24 scheduled departures daily across 13 destinations. The airport is capable of handling 10 aircraft movements per hour. From February 2026, operations are planned to expand to round-the-clock services, gradually increasing the airport’s flight-handling capacity to meet growing demand.
Navi Mumbai International airport live: IndiGo leads operations
IndiGo is the primary operator at NMIA, offering the largest flight network from the airport. Its first flight, 6E 460 from Bengaluru, will mark NMIA’s initial commercial arrival. IndiGo’s extensive schedule ensures convenient connectivity for passengers traveling to and from Navi Mumbai, particularly serving the growing residential and business areas of the region.
Navi Mumbai International airport live: Scheduled flights for today at NMIA
On its first day, NMIA will witness around 30 domestic flights operated by four airlines. IndiGo, Air India Express, Akasa Air, and Star Air will connect the new airport to nine key cities. The inaugural arrival is an IndiGo flight from Bengaluru, touching down at 8 am, while the first departure is scheduled to Hyderabad at 8:40 am.
Navi Mumbai International airport live: Gautam Adani arrives at NMIA | Watch
Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani was seen arriving at the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) as the airport gears up to commence operations today, marking a new chapter in air travel for the Mumbai region.
#watch | Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra: Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani arrives at the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA)
Navi Mumbai International Airport is all set to begin operations today. pic.twitter.com/50wNuneITf
— ANI (@ANI) December 25, 2025
Navi Mumbai International airport live: Watch visuals
Visuals from the Navi Mumbai International Airport.
#watch | Maharashtra: Navi Mumbai International Airport to begin operations.
A passenger, Sunil Bajaj, says, “It feels very good that an international airport has come to Navi Mumbai… The driveway is beautiful and big… It will be futuristic.” pic.twitter.com/iOOjIx3rid
— ANI (@ANI) December 25, 2025
Navi Mumbai International airport live: Good morning! Welcome to our live blog
Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) will start commercial operations today, ending years of delays. The airport provides Mumbai with a second major air travel hub, aimed at easing congestion at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. NMIA marks a significant milestone for the city’s aviation and infrastructure growth, connecting the Mumbai region more efficiently to domestic destinations.
Stay tuned with this live blog to get latest flight operation updates and related developments…
