With the first commercial flight, Navi Mumbai International Airport begins airside operations
With the arrival of its first commercial flight, Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) marked a significant turning point in the development of India’s aviation infrastructure when it began airside operations on December 25, 2025. A long-standing aviation custom commemorating the airport’s first commercial touchdown and departure, the first aircraft received a ceremonial water cannon salute upon arrival. IndiGo aircraft 6E460 from Bengaluru arrived at NMIA first at 8:00 a.m. and was greeted with the customary water salute. Soon after, IndiGo flight 6E882 to Hyderabad, the airport’s first departure, departed at 08:40, completing NMIA’s maiden cycle of arrivals and departures. An important advancement for India’s civil aviation industry is the commencement of regular passenger operations at Navi Mumbai International Airport. Increasing air travel capacity, reducing traffic at Mumbai’s current airport, and promoting the long-term development of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) are all anticipated benefits of the new airport.
