Navi Mumbai International Airport likely to begin ticket bookings soon
As the long-awaited Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) prepares to begin operations, reports suggest that ticket bookings for its first flights may open shortly after November 15.
The INR 19,650-crore airport, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 8, is one of India’s most ambitious greenfield aviation projects and is expected to handle its first commercial flight by December 2025, according to CIDCO Managing Director and Vice-Chairman Vijay Singhal.
While NMIA officials have not yet made an official announcement, a report by Maharashtra Times said that airlines are likely to open ticket sales for direct flights from the new airport in the coming days.
The initial phase will see leading Indian airlines including IndiGo, Akasa Air, and Air India Express launching operations from the new hub, primarily serving major domestic destinations.
IndiGo was the first airline to confirm its operations from NMIA. In a statement made on May 28, the airline said it would begin with 18 daily departures connecting 15 Indian cities during the airport’s initial phase of operations.
Air India Express has also announced plans to operate 20 daily flights to 15 cities across India, strengthening its domestic footprint.
Meanwhile, Akasa Air said it will start with 100 weekly domestic flights, and plans to scale up to 300 domestic and over 50 international flights per week by the winter schedule of 2026, marking a major expansion from the new airport.
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has officially taken charge of NMIA’s security operations. In the first phase, around 900 CISF personnel have been deployed, with the number expected to increase to 1,800 as the airport becomes fully operational.
Authorities have emphasised that the security setup follows international standards, with advanced surveillance systems, automated entry checks, and robust passenger-screening facilities already in place.
Developed jointly by CIDCO and Adani Airports Holdings Ltd., NMIA is set to become India’s largest greenfield airport. Located near Panvel in Navi Mumbai, the airport is expected to significantly reduce congestion at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), which currently handles over 50 million passengers annually.
Once fully operational, NMIA will have three passenger terminals and two parallel runways, with a planned handling capacity of 90 million passengers per year in later phases.
The airport’s design incorporates several eco-friendly features, including solar power generation, rainwater harvesting, and advanced waste management systems, making it one of India’s most sustainable airport projects.
NMIA is expected to be a game-changer for Maharashtra’s economy and connectivity. By serving as a second major aviation hub for Mumbai, the new airport will not only decongest existing air traffic but also attract new business and tourism opportunities in Navi Mumbai and surrounding areas.
Industry experts believe that with its modern infrastructure, multimodal connectivity, and green design, NMIA could position itself among the top aviation gateways in Asia within a few years of operation.