Air India Group has announced a comprehensive plan to commence commercial flight operations from the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) starting September 30, 2025. This move signifies a major boost to both domestic and international connectivity, aligning with India's ambition to become the world's third-largest air passenger market by 2030.
In the initial phase, Air India Express, the group's value carrier, will operate 20 daily departures, totaling 40 air traffic movements (ATMs), connecting Navi Mumbai to 15 cities across India. The Air India Group plans to progressively increase its operations, reaching 55 daily departures (110 ATMs) by mid-2026, which will include up to 5 international flights. By the winter of 2026, the group aims to further expand to 60 daily departures (120 ATMs), providing seamless connectivity to key domestic and international destinations.
Campbell Wilson, the Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director of Air India, expressed enthusiasm about commencing operations at NMIA, highlighting that Mumbai will join the ranks of world cities with more than one airport. He also conveyed Air India's commitment to collaborating with Adani Airports to develop NMIA into a major hub connecting India and serving as a key global transit point for passengers and cargo, leveraging its strategic geographical location.
Arun Bansal, CEO of Adani Airport Holdings Ltd., welcomed Air India Group as a valued airline partner at NMIA. He stated that their expansion plans align with the vision of establishing NMIA as a benchmark in global aviation and enhancing Mumbai's connectivity. Bansal further emphasized that the partnership will redefine Mumbai's connectivity landscape and strengthen India's twin-airport strategy. NMIA's adoption of technology to enhance efficiency and provide a superior passenger experience will play a crucial role in delivering seamless journeys for travelers.
Navi Mumbai International Airport is being developed in five phases. The first phase is designed to accommodate 20 million passengers per annum (MPPA) and handle 0.5 million metric tons (MMT) of cargo. Upon completion of all phases, NMIA will have a capacity to serve 90 MPPA and handle 3.2 MMT of cargo annually. The terminals will include interconnected buildings featuring food courts, lounges, and travelators. The buildings will be shaped like a lotus to provide an aesthetic theme.
The airport is equipped with a temporary air traffic control (ATC) tower that will oversee air traffic movement in the initial phases, equipped with communication and display systems and navigation aids. This temporary ATC is expected to be in service for six to seven years after NMIA commences commercial operations in 2025.
