Mumbai: Mumbai’s long-awaited second airport — the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) — is gearing up to welcome its first commercial operations, marking a major milestone in India’s aviation landscape. Inaugurated earlier by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the airport is set to ease pressure on the highly congested Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), offering travellers more connectivity and reducing operational bottlenecks in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

Budget carrier Akasa Air has become one of the first airlines to officially begin services from NMIA, announcing the launch of its inaugural flights on 25 December 2025.

Akasa Air announces first flights

Akasa Air took to X to share the news, calling the move a historic moment both for the airline and the country’s aviation network.

“Thrilled to announce the launch of our operations from the all-new @navimumairport (NMIA)! Our maiden flight from Delhi to Navi Mumbai will land at NMI on 25th December 2025, marking a historic milestone. With this, Akasa Air becomes one of the first airlines to commence operations from NMIA. Get ready to enjoy the Akasa experience from Navi Mumbai to Ahmedabad, Delhi, Goa and Kochi,” the airline posted.

The first flight will operate from New Delhi to Navi Mumbai, a key route that signals the airport’s readiness to handle major domestic passenger traffic.

As per the airline’s statement, scheduled services will roll out in phases:

  • 25 December 2025: Delhi–Navi Mumbai (inaugural flight) and Navi Mumbai–Goa
  • 26 December 2025: Navi Mumbai–Delhi and Navi Mumbai–Kochi
  • 31 December 2025: Navi Mumbai–Ahmedabad

Akasa Air said the new routes underscore its expansion strategy and highlight NMIA’s potential to become a significant aviation hub for Western India.

‘Landmark moment for Indian aviation’: Akasa Air

Calling the development a transformational step, Praveen Iyer, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer of Akasa Air, said the dual-airport system in Mumbai would redefine connectivity.

“The commencement of operations from Navi Mumbai International Airport represents a landmark moment for Akasa Air and a defining step in India’s aviation evolution. NMIA will serve as a key enabler in establishing a dual-airport ecosystem that enhances connectivity, reliability, and choice for travellers,” Iyer said.

He added that the new infrastructure at NMIA would support increasing passenger demand while offering a smooth flying experience designed to meet global standards.

Indigo and Air India Express to follow

While Akasa Air will take the lead in inaugurating services, other major carriers are close behind. Air India Express is expected to begin operations later this year, while Indigo — India’s largest airline — will also launch its NMIA services from 25 December.

Indigo plans to connect NMIA to ten Indian cities during its initial phase, including:

  • Delhi
  • Bengaluru
  • Hyderabad
  • Ahmedabad
  • Lucknow
  • North Goa (Mopa)
  • Jaipur
  • Nagpur
  • Cochin
  • Mangalore

The airline has already indicated that it will progressively expand operations as more infrastructure and slots become available.

NMIA: A new chapter for Mumbai’s aviation sector

NMIA is expected to play a vital role in reducing congestion at Mumbai’s existing airport, which handles over 52 million passengers annually. The addition of a second major airport is projected to significantly improve travel convenience for residents of Navi Mumbai, Thane, and Mumbai’s eastern suburbs.

Industry experts believe that with two operational hubs, airlines will have greater flexibility to allocate routes, manage flight timings, and cater to peak-season demand without severe delays or operational strain.

The airport is also expected to boost economic activity in Navi Mumbai, generating employment opportunities in aviation, logistics, hospitality, and retail sectors.

Conclusion

As Akasa Air prepares to land the first commercial flight at Navi Mumbai International Airport on 25 December 2025, the event marks a significant leap for Mumbai’s aviation framework. With multiple airlines onboard and a long-term plan for gradual expansion, NMIA is set to emerge as a pivotal gateway for domestic travel, promising smoother operations, enhanced connectivity and greater convenience for lakhs of passengers in the years ahead.