Watch: Water salute marks first landing as Navi Mumbai Airport begins operations

Air India Express marked a key milestone by operating its first landing and take-off from Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), officially commencing services from the new aviation hub. The inaugural operations strengthen domestic connectivity and signal NMIA’s growing role… pic.twitter.com/SjU2eY1SwM

— Mid Day (@mid_day) December 25, 2025

The aircraft was accorded a ceremonial water cannon salute on arrival, a time-honoured aviation tradition marking NMIA's first commercial touchdown and departure, the airport operator said in a statement.

The inaugural arrival was followed by the airport's first departure IndiGo flight 6E882 to Hyderabad at 08:40 am, completing NMIA's inaugural arrival and departure cycle, it said.

On the first day, IndiGo, Air India Express, Akasa Air and Star Air will operate domestic services, connecting the new facility to nine destinations across India.

Commercial services started at Navi Mumbai International Airport Thursday, with the inaugural IndiGo arrival from Bengaluru and first departure to Hyderabad marking a new era for India’s aviation sector.

IndiGo, Air India Express, Akasa Air and Star Air will operate day-one… pic.twitter.com/7e4OHEhiim

— Mid Day (@mid_day) December 25, 2025

The airport will handle 15 scheduled departures on the first day, it said, adding that during the initial phase, the facility will operate for 12 hours -- 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 (arrivals and departures) per hour, it added.

In the first month, NMIA will operate for 12 hours -- between 08:00 hours and 20:00 hours -- handling 23 scheduled daily departures. During this period, the airport will manage up to 10 flight movements per hour.

IndiGo commenced operations from NMIA and its first flight arrived at NMIA from Bengaluru in the morning, with first departure to Hyderabad shortly thereafter. Initially, IndiGo will be connecting NMIA to over 10 key destinations across the nation.

Air India Express said it inaugurated services from NMIA, with direct flights to Bengaluru and Delhi. The first Air India Express flight from Navi Mumbai International Airport operated to Bengaluru.

Akasa Air’s inaugural flight departed from Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi and arrived at the Navi Mumbai International Airport. Also, its inaugural flight from NMIA departed and arrived at Delhi Airport. Akasa Air will operate scheduled flights connecting Navi Mumbai with Goa, Delhi, Kochi and Ahmedabad.

NMIA is India’s newest Greenfield airport. In the first month, NMIA will operate for 12 hours -- between 08:00 hours and 20:00 hours -- handling 23 scheduled daily departures.

Starting February 2026, the airport will transition to round-the-clock operations

Starting February 2026, the airport will transition to round-the-clock operations, expanding to 34 daily departures to meet the increasing needs of the MMR.

NMIA is conducting comprehensive Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) trials in collaboration with all stakeholders, including security agencies and airline partners.

NMIA is a public private partnership (PPP) between Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL), a subsidiary of Adani Airports Holdings Limited (AAHL), which holds the majority stake of 74 per cent, while the City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra Limited (CIDCO) holds the remaining 26 per cent.

The inauguration of NMIA by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 8 set the stage for a carefully phased operational rollout, prioritising passenger safety, reliability, and comfort from day one.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!