First Commercial Flight Lands at Navi Mumbai International Airport; Maharashtra Leads India With Six International Airports
NAVI MUMBAI, December 25, 2025: In a landmark moment for India’s aviation sector, the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMI) officially commenced commercial operations today, December 25, 2025. The sky opened up to a new era of connectivity as the first commercial flight, IndiGo flight 6E 460 from Bengaluru, touched down at 08:00 AM to a spectacular ceremonial water cannon salute.
We have opened up our skies to the world.
— Navi Mumbai International Airport (@navimumairport) December 25, 2025
The first touchdown at #NMIA marks a defining moment as Navi Mumbai International Airport welcomes its first commercial flight with a ceremonial water cannon salute, officially commencing scheduled passenger operations.… pic.twitter.com/EPCGMsy6jy
Maharashtra Leads India With Highest Number of International Airports
Maharashtra’s aviation sector has officially secured the top spot in India, outstripping Uttar Pradesh in the race for international connectivity. With the launch of the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMI), Maharashtra now hosts six international airports, including Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Nashik, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. While Uttar Pradesh has made headlines with its ambitious plan for five international airports (Lucknow, Varanasi, Kushinagar, Ayodhya, and the upcoming Noida International Airport), Maharashtra’s operationalization of NMI pushes its total to six, effectively reclaiming its crown as the state with the highest number of international aviation hubs in the country. This milestone not only solidifies Maharashtra’s position as India’s premier economic engine but also establishes a superior network for global trade and tourism that now spans across its most critical industrial and heritage corridors.
A Touching Tribute to Local Landowners
In a move that blended high-tech infrastructure with local gratitude, the inaugural day was dedicated to the villagers whose land was acquired for the airport’s construction. On Thursday, these villagers were felicitated for their contribution to the project.
As a special gesture, the local residents were treated to a 40-minute joyride aboard an Air India Express aircraft. The celebratory atmosphere was further enhanced as the villagers received commemorative gifts, marking their transition from landowners to the very first passengers of the “DB Patil” Navi Mumbai International Airport.
Operational Highlights: Day One
The first day of operations is set to handle between 30 and 33 air traffic movements. Following the first arrival, the airport saw its first outbound service, IndiGo flight 6E 882, depart for Hyderabad at 08:40 AM.
Major domestic carriers have already established a presence at the new hub:
- IndiGo: Connecting to Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Goa (Mopa), and Lucknow.
- Akasa Air: Operating a morning service to Delhi.
- Air India Express: Facilitating inaugural joyrides and scheduled sectors.
- Star Air: Providing crucial regional connectivity to Nanded.
Navigating NMI: What Passengers Need to Know
For the first phase of operations (lasting until February 2026), the airport will operate within a 12-hour window from 08:00 AM to 08:00 PM.
For travelers from Pune and Lonavala, the airport offers a highly accessible alternative to the congested Mumbai (BOM) airport. Located approximately 130 km from Pune, the facility is easily reachable via the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, with an exit at Kalamboli. While the airport features a state-of-the-art Digi Yatra-enabled terminal for paperless entry, passengers are reminded that the User Development Fee (UDF) is currently set at ₹620 for domestic departures.
Managed by the Adani Group in partnership with CIDCO, the lotus-inspired terminal is expected to eventually handle 20 million passengers annually, significantly boosting the economic corridor between Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, and Pune.
Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMI): Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMI) operational now? Yes, commercial operations officially began today, December 25, 2025. The airport is currently in Phase 1, operating on a 12-hour schedule from 08:00 AM to 08:00 PM.
2. Which airline was the first to land at NMI? The honor of the first commercial touchdown goes to IndiGo flight 6E 460 from Bengaluru, which landed at 08:00 AM sharp to a ceremonial water cannon salute.
3. What is the airport code for the new airport? The IATA code is NMI. When booking, ensure you select NMI and not BOM (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport) to ensure you are heading to the correct location.
4. How many international airports does Maharashtra have now? With the addition of NMI, Maharashtra now has six international gateways: Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Nashik, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Navi Mumbai. This makes Maharashtra the state with the highest number of international airports in India, surpassing Uttar Pradesh.
5. How do I reach the new airport from Pune? The airport is approximately 130 km from Pune. The fastest route is via the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, exiting at Kalamboli. Depending on traffic, it takes about 2 to 2.5 hours. Alternatively, passengers can take a train to Panvel Station, which is just 7 km from the terminal.
6. Are there 24/7 operations at NMI? Not yet. For the initial two months (until February 2026), the airport will function for 12 hours daily. Full 24-hour operations are expected to commence in early 2026.
7. Is DigiYatra available at the new terminal? Yes, NMI is a “digital-first” airport. The terminal is fully DigiYatra-enabled, allowing for a paperless and seamless entry and boarding process for domestic passengers.
