Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is on track to begin operations, having completed key exercises and readiness checks. The airport is scheduled to open on December 25, 2025, making Mumbai the first Indian city with two airports.

Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) NMIA has been conducting comprehensive Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) trials in collaboration with stakeholders, including security agencies and airline partners, to ensure a seamless start. The ORAT process involves rigorous checks and coordination across all departments, from systems and staff to passenger services, ensuring every detail is fine-tuned for a smooth opening day. The team is working to deliver a world-class experience from the start, testing all facilities and services in real-time scenarios before the airport becomes fully operational.

Key Milestones Achieved In preparation for operations, NMIA has achieved several key milestones:

• Flight Validation Tests: NMIA successfully conducted its first commercial flight validation test with an IndiGo A320 aircraft, validating its Instrument Approach Procedures.
• Instrument Landing System (ILS) Calibration: The airport has successfully completed the flight calibration of the Instrument Landing System (ILS) and Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI).
• Security Transition: The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) was formally inducted at NMIA on October 29, 2025, and deployed across key airport functions.

Capacity and Expansion Plans NMIA will initially handle 20 million passengers annually, with plans to expand capacity to 90 million by 2029. The planned expansion includes four runways, multiple terminals, and dedicated facilities for handling perishables and express cargo. The initial cargo capacity will be 0.5 million metric tonnes per annum. From December 25, 2025, to January 31, 2026, the airport will operate between 08:00 and 20:00, handling 23 scheduled daily departures and up to 10 aircraft movements per hour.

Airlines and Connectivity

Major Indian airlines, including IndiGo, Akasa Air, and Air India Express, will operate from Navi Mumbai from day one. IndiGo intends to connect Navi Mumbai to 10 domestic destinations from launch, including Delhi, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, with further expansion expected.

Strategic Importance

Strategically located near Panvel, the airport is expected to significantly decongest Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and stimulate economic and real estate growth across Navi Mumbai. Enhanced connectivity via the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link and metro corridors will further amplify its accessibility.

NMIA Project Details

The NMIA project is being developed in five phases at an estimated cost of Rs 18,000 crore. It is designed to offer multi-modal connectivity, integrating road, rail, metro, and future waterway access. The airport is developed under a joint venture between the Adani Group and the City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra (CIDCO). Adani Airports holds a 74% stake in both Mumbai airports and is investing heavily in expansion.