Mumbai: Mumbai’s long wait for a second major airport finally came to an end as the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) began full-fledged commercial operations on Thursday, ushering in a new era for air travel in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The launch is being seen as a critical infrastructure milestone aimed at easing pressure on the city’s overstretched aviation network.
Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani visited the airport on the first day of operations and described the moment as a significant achievement for the city and its people. He said the project reflects a commitment to building modern, future-ready infrastructure that can support Mumbai’s growing economic and passenger demands.
According to Adani, Mumbai’s existing airport has been operating close to saturation for nearly a decade, limiting expansion and creating operational challenges. The new airport, he noted, is expected to substantially reduce congestion, improve passenger experience, and allow for smoother air traffic movement across the region.
The operational rollout was marked by the arrival of the first commercial passenger flight—an IndiGo aircraft from Bengaluru—which landed at NMIA at around 8 am. The flight was greeted with a traditional water cannon salute, symbolising the formal start of regular passenger services. The moment was widely shared on social media, highlighting the significance of the occasion for Maharashtra’s aviation sector.
NMIA was formally inaugurated earlier in October by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, bringing closure to a project that had been on the drawing board for nearly 30 years. The airport’s journey has seen multiple delays due to land acquisition issues, environmental clearances, and infrastructure challenges, making its operational launch particularly noteworthy.
Developed under a public-private partnership model, the airport is a joint venture between CIDCO and Adani Airport Holdings Ltd. While CIDCO retains a minority stake, operational control rests with the Adani Group. Once fully developed, NMIA is expected to handle millions of passengers annually and complement the existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.
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