No new NMMT buses for Navi Mumbai airport routes despite fleet expansion

Airoli MLA and Forest Minister Ganesh Naik (right) inaugurates the new NMMT buses on July 11

When Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport (NMMT) inducted the first batch of 51 CNG buses from its sanctioned fleet of 150, many commuters expected at least some of the new vehicles to be deployed on routes connecting the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), which has been operational since December 25, 2025. However, that is unlikely to happen.

Officials in the transport department confirmed that all 150 buses being inducted into the fleet are non-air-conditioned CNG buses and none of them is planned for airport services. Instead, the buses will be used to strengthen the existing city network by replacing ageing vehicles and improving frequencies on busy routes.

A conductor on NMMT's Route No. 23 said, "Airport passengers generally travel with luggage and require a more comfortable journey. These buses will be used for regular city operations."

Airoli MLA and Forest Minister Ganesh Naik and Deputy Mayor of Navi Mumbai Dashrath Bhagat (seated, with hands on knees) travel in one of the CNG buses. Pics/By Special Arrangement

A conductor attached to Route No. 17, between Nerul and Kharkopar, said airport connectivity requires a different kind of fleet. "An air-conditioned bus service is more suitable for airport passengers. The new non-AC buses will mainly help increase the frequency of existing routes and reduce waiting time for daily commuters rather than operate to the airport," he said.

Other modes

The clarification comes at a time when passenger traffic at NMIA is steadily increasing, with both domestic and international flight operations now underway. Despite the growing demand, fliers continue to depend largely on taxis, app-based cabs, and private vehicles to reach the airport.

‘We want dedicated buses'

Regular commuter Satish Jadhav believes the city now needs dedicated airport buses instead of relying only on conventional public transport. "Now that international flights have also started from NMIA, NMMT should increase the number of buses connecting to the airport. Apart from these 150 non-AC buses, the transport undertaking should induct a fleet of air-conditioned buses exclusively for airport services. It will offer passengers an affordable and comfortable travel option," Jadhav said.