Bengaluru: In a unique display of aviation enthusiasm, a passenger from Bengaluru travelled with his family to Navi Mumbai solely to experience India’s newest greenfield airport, the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), which commenced commercial operations on Christmas Day, December 25. The passenger said he had booked tickets nearly two months in advance, specifically to be among the first travellers to explore the much-anticipated airport.

The passenger, identified as Ram Prasad, arrived on IndiGo flight 6E460 from Bengaluru, which landed at NMIA at 8 am on its inaugural day. The aircraft was accorded a ceremonial water cannon salute, a traditional aviation gesture used to mark special occasions such as the launch of new routes or airports. The arrival marked one of the first commercial landings at the airport and symbolised a major milestone in Maharashtra’s aviation infrastructure.

‘Booked tickets just to see the airport’

Speaking to news agency ANI, Ram Prasad said the primary purpose of the journey was not business or a family emergency, but curiosity and excitement about the new airport. “We came from Bengaluru, and we booked this trip specifically to explore the Navi Mumbai airport. We will stay here for two days, do some sightseeing around Mumbai, and then return to Bengaluru,” he said.

Prasad added that he had planned the trip well in advance. “I booked the tickets two months ago. It was a great experience. Everything is very good,” he said, expressing satisfaction with the airport’s facilities and overall ambience.

He also said that Gautam Adani, chairman of the Adani Group, personally welcomed passengers on the inaugural flight, making the experience even more memorable for his family. “I thank Mr Adani. He came and welcomed all the passengers. My daughter was the first passenger to be welcomed. I am very happy,” Prasad said.

Festive start to operations

The landing of the Bengaluru-origin flight was followed by the airport’s first departure — IndiGo flight 6E882 to Hyderabad — which took off at 8.40 am. The smooth turnaround of arrivals and departures on the very first day was seen as a positive indicator of the airport’s operational readiness.

Several passengers on the inaugural flights expressed excitement about NMIA, describing it as modern, spacious, and future-ready. Another traveller, Sunil Bajaj, told ANI that the airport’s design and access roads left a strong impression. “It feels very good that an international airport has come to Navi Mumbai. The driveway is beautiful and wide. It looks futuristic,” he said.

A major boost to Mumbai’s aviation network

The launch of NMIA marks a crucial expansion of air connectivity in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), which has long struggled with congestion at the existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. With passenger numbers steadily rising over the years, the need for a second major airport had become increasingly urgent.

Spread across 2,866 acres, the Navi Mumbai International Airport has been developed as a public-private partnership. Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL), a subsidiary of Adani Airports Holdings Limited (AAHL), holds a 74 per cent stake in the project, while the City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra Limited (CIDCO) holds the remaining 26 per cent.

Officials said the airport has been designed to handle large passenger volumes while offering efficient operations and modern amenities. When fully operational, NMIA is expected to handle up to 9 crore passengers per annum, significantly easing pressure on Mumbai’s primary airport.

Phased operations planned

In its initial phase, NMIA will operate for 12 hours a day, from 8 am to 8 pm. During the first month, the airport will handle 23 scheduled departures daily. Authorities said this phased approach would allow airlines and airport operators to fine-tune operations before scaling up.

From February 2026, the airport is scheduled to move to 24-hour operations, with the number of daily departures increasing to 34. This expansion is aimed at meeting growing demand for air travel and offering airlines greater flexibility in scheduling flights.

Industry experts believe that routes connecting major metros such as Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi, and Chennai will play a key role in establishing NMIA as a major aviation hub in western India.

Symbol of growing aviation interest

The story of a Bengaluru man booking flights months in advance simply to experience a new airport has resonated widely on social media. Many users saw it as a reflection of the growing interest among Indians in infrastructure development and modern public facilities.

Aviation analysts say such enthusiasm highlights how airports are no longer viewed merely as transit points, but as symbols of regional growth, global connectivity, and national ambition. “People are proud to see world-class infrastructure coming up in India, and they want to experience it firsthand,” an aviation expert said.

Conclusion

The inaugural operations at Navi Mumbai International Airport have begun on an enthusiastic note, with smooth flights, positive passenger feedback, and strong public interest. As NMIA gradually expands its operations, it is expected to transform air travel in the Mumbai region and set new benchmarks in airport infrastructure. For travellers like Ram Prasad, the journey itself has become a celebration of India’s growing aviation capabilities.