As Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) begins operations on Thursday, <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/watch-water-salute-marks-first-landing-as-navi-mumbai-airport-begins-operations-23609230" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">CIDCO</a> Vice Chairman and Managing Director Vijay Singhal speaks to mid-day on history, hurdles and the road ahead.&nbsp;
Excerpts from an interview:
NMIA finally becomes operational. What does this mean for Navi Mumbai and CIDCO? Today is not just the start of flight operations. It is the fulfilment of a dream that Navi Mumbaikars have carried for nearly three decades. The idea of the <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/navi-mumbai-airport-opens-to-positive-first-impressions-but-mobile-network-issues-dampen-experience-23609304" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Navi Mumbai International Airport</a> was first envisioned in 1997, and on December 25, 2025, on Christmas Day, that vision finally took wing. For CIDCO, this is an extremely emotional and proud moment. As vice chairman and managing director, I feel deeply honoured that this long-cherished dream materialises during my tenure.
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2025/dec/Airport_e.jpg" alt="Work continues on the airport premises even as the facility commenced operations on Thursday. PIC/SAYYED SAMEER ABEDI" width="1280" height="720" /> Work continues on the airport premises even as the facility commenced operations on Thursday. PIC/SAYYED SAMEER ABEDI
However, I must emphasise that this achievement is thanks also to the tireless work of my predecessors over the years, handling land acquisition, rehabilitation, environmental clearances and infrastructure planning. The take-off is the result of their perseverance and institutional commitment.&rdquo;
How prepared is NMIA from Day One, and what can passengers expect? NMIA is fully ready from Day One. All systems are tested, operational protocols are in place, and coordination between CIDCO, airport authorities and multiple civic agencies has been seamless &mdash; even through late-night preparations. Around 30 domestic flights operate on Day 1, connecting Navi Mumbai to key cities like Goa, Kochi, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad and Hyderabad. The first flight lands from Bengaluru, while the first departure takes off for Hyderabad &mdash; an iconic moment for Indian aviation. Adding a festive touch, the <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/gautam-adani-welcomes-passengers-as-navi-mumbai-airport-begins-operations-23609251" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Adani Group </a>welcomed the first passengers with Christmas gifts. From January 15, daily flights increase to 48, and international operations are planned from March, positioning NMIA as a global gateway.&rdquo;
There are concerns about infrastructure gaps like street lighting around Terminal 1. How is CIDCO addressing them? We acknowledge these concerns, and we are acting on them with urgency. All pending works, including street lighting around Terminal 1, are being completed on a priority basis. We are working closely with Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation, Panvel Municipal Corporation and MSEDCL to ensure that passengers and staff face no inconvenience. This airport is being launched with a long-term vision &mdash; not just as an alternative to Mumbai airport, but as a growth engine for the entire <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/bmc-elections-2026-mmr-civic-elections-explained-population-budgets-and-corporator-seats-23608159?news-opinion-article-breakingnews" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">MMR</a>.

As Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) begins operations on Thursday, CIDCO Vice Chairman and Managing Director Vijay Singhal speaks to mid-day on history

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NMIA begins operations; CIDCO MD Vijay Singhal shares insights on history and challenges

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