Historic Take-Off: Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) Set to Begin Operations December 25

Ajjay Bhagyakar
Dec 3, 2025
2 min read

Historic Take-Off: Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) Set to Begin Operations December 25 Mumbai is about to enter a new era in aviation as the brand-new Navi Mumbai International Airport gears up for its first commercial flights on December 25, 2025. www.ndtv.com +2www.ndtv.com +2With this launch, Mumbai becomes the first Indian city to operate two major airports simultaneously, joining global metropolises like New York, London and Tokyo. The Times of India+1

Ready for Takeoff – ORAT Trial Successful

In late November, NMIA’s team carried out a full-scale “passenger journey” simulation under the International Air Transport Association (IATA)-recommended Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) procedure. Over two days, hundreds of volunteers passed through all airport processes — from check-in, security check, boarding to baggage reclaim — mimicking a real-world passenger flow. Free Press Journal+2Moneycontrol+2The airport authorities said every step was tested “to perfection,” giving them the confidence to begin operations on schedule. www.ndtv.com +1

First Flights & Initial Operations — What to Expect

The first aircraft slated to land at NMIA on Day One is IndiGo flight 6E460 from Bengaluru, scheduled for 8:00 AM. www.ndtv.com +2India TV News+2
The first departure is expected shortly after — offering passengers a seamless start to the dual-airport era. www.ndtv.com +1
During its first month, NMIA will operate for 12 hours daily (8:00 AM–8:00 PM), handling 23 scheduled departures per day, with capacity for up to 10 aircraft movements per hour. www.ndtv.com +2Routes Online+2
Airlines on Day One include IndiGo, Akasa Air and Air India Express — connecting Mumbai to major domestic destinations across India. www.ndtv.com +2Wikipedia+2

Why NMIA Matters — For Mumbai & Beyond

The first phase of NMIA has a capacity to handle 20 million passengers annually, with provisions to scale up dramatically in future phases. Wikipedia+2Routes Online+2
This additional capacity is a much-needed relief for the existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), currently one of the busiest single-runway airports in the world. Wikipedia+1
NMIA’s modern infrastructure, multimodal connectivity plans (road, rail, metro and more), and strategic location in Ulwe are expected to boost economic activity, ease air-travel congestion and shape the growth trajectory of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+2

hat’s Next — From 12-Hour Service to Full-Blown Hub

The airport’s initial 12-hour schedule is likely just the start. As per plans, NMIA is expected to ramp up — eventually shifting to near full-day operations and adding more flights and destinations over the coming months. www.ndtv.com +2Routes Online+2