Mumbai – The Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) officially commenced commercial passenger services on Thursday, representing a significant boost to aviation capacity in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), which has long been limited by the single-runway operations at the existing airport handling around 950 flights daily.
The airport’s inaugural scheduled arrival was IndiGo flight 6E460 from Bengaluru, landing at 8:00 am and greeted with a traditional water cannon salute. Shortly after, the first departure, an IndiGo service to Hyderabad, lifted off at 8:40 am. Throughout the day, NMIA managed 48 flights linking nine domestic destinations and accommodating more than 4,000 passengers, with the busiest period occurring between 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm.
Aviation professionals highlighted the airport’s fresh identity, referring to it simply as “Navi” in communications. “For us, the new airport is called Navi,” noted an airline pilot, explaining its use as the official call sign. An aviation official recounted welcoming the first flight by radioing pilots, “Welcome to Navi.”
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Initial challenges emerged for travelers, including inadequate or absent road signage at key junctions, leading some drivers to mistakenly head toward the cargo terminal. Ongoing road repairs and widening work were visible, with machinery in operation. Although Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport introduced bus services on five routes, many passengers relied on ride-hailing apps due to incomplete auto and taxi facilities. Travelers from central areas like Matunga and Dadar, approximately 35 km away, reported unclear signage on the Atal Setu bridge. One resident, Dinesh Gandhi from Matunga, pointed out visibility issues with directional signs upon entering Navi Mumbai.
Sightseers arrived hoping to view the facility, but security allowed entry only for those with valid tickets.
Operations on the opening day involved four airlines: IndiGo, Akasa Air, Air India Express, and Star Air. Developed and managed by Adani Airports Holdings Limited, NMIA stands as one of India’s most ambitious greenfield airport developments. Chairman Gautam Adani greeted passengers from the first flight and engaged with employees, declaring, “It’s a proud day for Mumbai and for India.” Traditional Maharashtrian performances with lezim, dhol, and tutari instruments provided cultural touches. India Post issued a special commemorative First Flight Carried Special Cover on an IndiGo flight to Goa.
Calls to name the airport after D B Patil gained renewed attention, with former MP Sanjeev Naik stating that it aligns with the preferences of local residents in Navi Mumbai.
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