Navi Mumbai International Airport Goes Live Tomorrow: Which Will be the First Flight? Check Full Flight Schedule and Passenger Guide
Navi Mumbai, December 24, 2025: The long-awaited Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is officially taking flight tomorrow, December 25, 2025, transforming the Mumbai Metropolitan Region into a dual-airport hub and offering a Christmas gift to thousands of flyers.
Historic Take-off: First Flights and Major Carriers
The “DB Patil” Navi Mumbai International Airport (IATA Code: NMI) will witness its first commercial touchdown at 08:00 AM when IndiGo flight 6E 460 arrives from Bengaluru. Following this, the first outbound service, IndiGo flight 6E 882, is scheduled to depart for Hyderabad at 08:40 AM.
On the inaugural day, the airport will handle approximately 30 to 33 air traffic movements. Major domestic carriers including IndiGo, Akasa Air, Air India Express, and Star Air have confirmed their slots, connecting Navi Mumbai to 10 key Indian cities.
Navi Mumbai Airport Flight Schedule: Arrivals and Departures
For the first phase, NMIA will operate on a 12-hour window (08:00 AM to 08:00 PM). Below are the key destinations and flight details for December 25:
| Destination | Airline | Flight No. | Action | Time |
| Bengaluru | IndiGo | 6E 460 | Arrival | 08:00 |
| Hyderabad | IndiGo | 6E 882 | Departure | 08:40 |
| Delhi | Akasa Air | QP 1832 | Departure | 08:50 |
| Ahmedabad | IndiGo | 6E 837 | Departure | 10:10 |
| Goa (Mopa) | IndiGo | 6E 2054 | Departure | 16:00 |
| Lucknow | IndiGo | 6E 830 | Departure | 19:30 |
Note: Regional carrier Star Air will also operate a specialized sector connecting Navi Mumbai with Nanded.
Passenger Guide: Connectivity and Fares
As operations begin, travelers are advised to verify their tickets for the NMI airport code to avoid confusion with Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM).
- How to Reach: The airport is accessible via the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) and the Sion-Panvel Highway. While the Targhar railway station is the nearest rail link (3.2 km), passengers are currently relying on road transport.
- Ticket Pricing: Initial reports suggest that ticket prices from NMIA may carry a slight premium (approx. ₹500 to ₹2,000) due to a higher User Development Fee (UDF) of ₹620 for domestic departures compared to the existing Mumbai airport.
- Digital Experience: The terminal is Digi Yatra-enabled, allowing for a paperless and seamless entry process.
How to Reach Navi Mumbai International Airport from Pune or Lonavala
The following video shows you the best route via the Mumbai–Pune Expressway and JNPA Road, guiding you efficiently to Navi Mumbai International Airport. Watch the video for clear directions to the airport!
Travelling from Pune or Lonavala? This video shows you the best route via the Mumbai–Pune Expressway and JNPA Road, guiding you efficiently to Navi Mumbai International Airport. Watch the video for clear directions to the airport!#PuneToNMIA #LonavalaToNMIA… pic.twitter.com/kYDDhVofCr
— Navi Mumbai International Airport (@navimumairport) December 24, 2025
Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA): Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) operational now? Yes, Navi Mumbai International Airport began commercial operations on December 25, 2025. It currently operates on a phased schedule, primarily handling domestic flights.
2. Which airline is the first to fly from Navi Mumbai?IndiGo holds the honor of the first arrival (Flight 6E 460 from Bengaluru at 08:00 AM) and the first departure (Flight 6E 882 to Hyderabad at 08:40 AM) on the launch day.
3. What is the airport code for Navi Mumbai International Airport? The IATA code for the new airport is NMI. Passengers should double-check their tickets to ensure they are heading to NMI and not the existing Mumbai Airport (BOM).
4. How do I reach Navi Mumbai Airport from Pune? The airport is approximately 130 km from Pune. The fastest way is via the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, exiting at Kalamboli. Depending on traffic, it takes about 2 to 2.5 hours by cab. You can also take a train to Panvel Station, which is just 7 km from the airport.
5. Why are flight tickets from Navi Mumbai more expensive than Mumbai? Tickets may appear higher because the User Development Fee (UDF) at NMI is currently ₹620 for domestic departures, which is significantly higher than the ₹175 charged at CSMIA (Mumbai). These rates are approved by the regulator to recover the cost of the new infrastructure.
6. Does the airport operate 24/7? Not yet. For the first two months (until February 2026), the airport will operate for 12 hours daily, from 08:00 AM to 08:00 PM. Full 24-hour operations are expected to begin in early 2026.
7. Is DigiYatra available at Navi Mumbai Airport? Yes, NMIA is a digital-first airport. Passengers can use the DigiYatra facility for a seamless, paperless entry and boarding experience.
Lotus-Inspired Design and Future Growth
Managed by the Adani Group in partnership with CIDCO, the airport features a stunning lotus-inspired terminal design. Phase 1 is built to handle 20 million passengers annually. By February 2026, the facility is expected to transition to 24/7 operations, significantly easing the load on the congested Mumbai airport and boosting real estate and commerce in the Navi Mumbai and Pune corridors.
