India’s aviation capacity received a major boost on December 25, 2025, as Navi Mumbai International Airport welcomed its first commercial flight, with an IndiGo service from Bengaluru marking the formal start of operations at the Adani Group-led greenfield airport.
Mumbai: Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) commenced commercial operations on Thursday, marking a major milestone in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region’s aviation infrastructure. The first arrival was an IndiGo flight from Bengaluru, followed by a departure to Hyderabad, as multiple airlines began scheduled services.
Located at Ulwe, NMIA is expected to ease congestion at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. The airport has been developed by Adani Airport Holdings in partnership with the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO).
The inaugural commercial arrival — IndiGo flight 6E460 from Bengaluru —landed at 8 a.m. and was greeted with a traditional water cannon salute. The airport’s first departure, IndiGo flight 6E882 to Hyderabad, took off at 8.40 a.m., completing NMIA’s inaugural arrival and departure cycle.
According to officials, NMIA handled 48 flights connecting nine domestic destinations on the first day, serving over 4,000 passengers. Peak traffic was recorded between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m., reflecting strong early demand and operational readiness.
Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani personally welcomed passengers from the inaugural flight and interacted with airport staff, frontline workers and first-time flyers. He later joined a ceremonial walk through the departure terminal with airport employees, community representatives and Adani Foundation beneficiaries. The launch concluded with a flag-hoisting ceremony led by Param Vir Chakra awardees Captain Bana Singh and Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar, followed by the national anthem.
In a post on X, Mr Adani said, “It was a deeply moving moment to stand beside Param Vir Chakra awardees Captain @banasinghpvc and Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar as the @navimumairport (NMIA) welcomed its very first passengers. In that moment, alongside the war heroes, stood the other quiet architects of the nation – the workers who built this airport with their bare hands and unbreakable spirit; the farmers and their families who feed India; the social workers who selflessly serve millions alongside the @AdaniFoundation; and our specially abled colleagues who inspire us every single day. For many of them, this was the first flight of their lives. Soldiers who protect Bharat. Workers who build Bharat. Farmers who sustain Bharat. Social workers who serve Bharat. The specially abled who inspire Bharat.@AdaniPriti and I were deeply honoured to stand with them at NMIA – a moment that captured what this airport truly represents – opportunity with dignity, and a rising India that moves forward without leaving anyone behind. Their blessings, their courage and their resilience drive us every single day to build bigger, serve better, and work harder in service of the nation. (sic)”
Airline leadership from IndiGo, Air India Express and Akasa Air participated in the launch, confirming the start of scheduled departures from Navi Mumbai.
Jeet Adani, Director of Adani Airport Holdings Limited, said NMIA establishes a resilient multi-airport system for the MMR by boosting capacity, enhancing passenger experience and future-proofing the region’s aviation growth.
Vijay Singhal, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of CIDCO, said the commencement of operations reflects the Maharashtra government’s sustained commitment to infrastructure development. “This landmark project symbolises our commitment to futuristic infrastructure, inclusive growth and global connectivity,” he said.
