This article summarizes reporting by The Times of India.

Navi Mumbai International Airport Officially Begins Commercial Operations

Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), officially designated as D.B. Patil International Airport, commenced commercial operations today, December 25, 2025. As reported by The Times of India, the opening marks the end of years of missed deadlines and establishes the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) as the first urban region in India to function with a dual-airport system.

The launch initiates a new era for aviation in western India, aiming to alleviate the severe congestion at the existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA). While the terminal infrastructure is operational, initial reports highlight significant challenges regarding ground connectivity for the first wave of passengers.

Day One Flight Schedule and Airlines

According to the operational schedule released for the launch, the airport is currently functioning within a 12-hour window from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The first day of operations features 30 scheduled domestic movements, split evenly between 15 arrivals and 15 departures.

Key operational highlights include:

• First Arrival: IndiGo flight 6E 460 from Bengaluru, scheduled to land at 8:00 AM.
• First Departure: IndiGo flight 6E 882 to Hyderabad, scheduled for takeoff at 8:40 AM.

Four major carriers, IndiGo, Air India Express, Akasa Air, and Star Air, are operating the initial flights. The network covers major metropolitan hubs including Delhi, Chennai, and Kolkata, as well as Tier-2 cities such as Jaipur, Goa (Mopa), and Kochi. Regional connectivity is being serviced by Star Air with flights to Nanded.

Terminal Infrastructure and Design

Terminal 1 is designed to handle 20 million passengers annually in its first phase. The architecture, crafted by Zaha Hadid Architects, features a distinctive lotus-inspired roof intended to symbolize purity. Inside, the facility is equipped with modern passenger processing technologies.

Passengers traveling through NMIA today have access to DigiYatra for biometric-based entry and boarding. The “Bombay Bond” food court is also operational, hosting local dining brands. The single operational runway (08/26) measures 3,700 meters, capable of accommodating large wide-body aircraft, though a second parallel runway remains in the planning stages for future phases.

Connectivity Challenges Persist

While the aeronautical infrastructure is ready, reaching the airport remains a hurdle. Reports indicate that last-mile connectivity is incomplete. The primary road access routes via the Atal Setu (MTHL) and Palm Beach Road lead to approach roads where construction debris is still visible. One specific 800-meter stretch near the entrance has been reported as unlit.

Public transport options are currently limited:

• Bus: The Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport (NMMT) is operating approximately 50 electric buses connecting to nearby railway stations.
• Rail: The nearest train station, Targhar, is roughly 3.5 km away, with low train frequency.
• Metro: There is no direct metro connectivity; the dedicated airport line is not expected to be operational until 2029 or later.

AirPro News Analysis

The opening of NMIA is a critical infrastructure milestone, but the “soft launch” nature of the ground transport suggests a turbulent initial period for passenger experience. While the “Twin Airport” model places Mumbai alongside cities like London and New York, the efficacy of this system relies heavily on seamless inter-airport and city-to-airport transit. Until the Ulwe Coastal Road is completed (projected late 2026) and rail frequency improves, NMIA may primarily serve residents of Navi Mumbai, Pune, and Raigad rather than decongesting traffic from South Mumbai.

Ownership and Future Roadmap

The airport is developed by Adani Airport Holdings Ltd (AAHL), which holds a 74% stake, with the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) holding the remaining 26%. The total project cost is estimated between ₹16,700 crore and ₹17,000 crore.

Looking ahead, the airport plans to transition from its current 12-hour schedule to full 24/7 operations by February 2026. Future expansion phases aim to increase capacity to 90 million passengers annually by 2032, with the addition of three interconnected terminals and a second runway.

Sources: The Times of India