Navi Mumbai airport opens for commercial operations; workers among first flyers

Mumbai: Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), one of India’s largest greenfield airport projects, commenced commercial operations on Thursday, signalling the start of a multi-airport system for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. In a symbolic gesture, several construction workers who helped build the airport were among the inaugural flyers, underscoring the project’s labour-driven journey from conception to completion.

Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani personally welcomed passengers arriving on the airport’s first commercial flight and interacted with airport staff, frontline workers and first-time flyers. Sharing a video from the inaugural day on X, Adani said the smiling faces of workers reflected the confidence of India’s labour force and the country’s steady progress, crediting their hard work for completing the project in record time.

The inaugural commercial arrival was IndiGo flight 6E460 from Bengaluru, which landed at 8:00 am and received a traditional water cannon salute. On its first day of operations, NMIA handled 48 flights connecting nine domestic destinations and served more than 4,000 passengers. According to airport authorities, peak traffic was recorded between 5:00 am and 7:00 am, indicating strong early demand and operational readiness.

Several first-time flyers featured in the inaugural journey, with passengers sharing their excitement at experiencing air travel for the first time. Many workers who contributed to the airport’s construction were also part of the maiden flight, thanking the Adani Group for the opportunity to be part of the historic launch.

With NMIA becoming operational, Mumbai joins global aviation hubs such as London, New York and Tokyo in operating multiple airports to meet rising passenger demand. Developed and operated by Adani Airports Holdings Limited, a subsidiary of Adani Enterprises Limited, the airport is expected to ease congestion at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.

The inauguration concluded with a ceremonial walk through the departure terminal, a flag-hoisting ceremony led by Param Vir Chakra awardees Captain Bana Singh and Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar, and the national anthem. Prominent sportspersons and public figures were also present at the event.

Located in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, NMIA spans over 1,160 hectares and is designed to handle up to 90 million passengers per annum upon full completion. In its initial phase, the airport has a capacity of 20 million passengers annually and 0.5 million metric tonnes of cargo, with two parallel runways, modern terminals and advanced cargo facilities planned to support long-term growth.