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Navi Mumbai International Airport Commences Operations with First Commercial Flights


Panaji/Mumbai, December 25, 2025: The much-anticipated Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) began operations today, providing much-needed relief to Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, which handles over 50 million passengers annually.

Constructed in a massive ₹19,650 crore investment, the first phase of NMIA has been designed to handle 20 million passengers per year, with state-of-the-art facilities, seamless passenger flow, and enhanced connectivity. The airport commenced scheduled operations with commercial flights to Delhi and Goa, operated by major carriers including IndiGo and Air India Express.

The inauguration on Christmas Eve featured a spectacular drone show that paid tribute to the thousands of construction workers who contributed to the airport’s creation. Gautam Adani, chairman of the Adani Group, welcomed the first passengers, including soldiers, farmers, and airport staff, highlighting the airport as a symbol of inclusive development benefiting all Mumbaikars.

Officials expressed optimism that the new hub will significantly reduce congestion at Mumbai’s main airport, promote regional economic growth, and strengthen India’s aviation network. Plans for further expansion in the coming years aim to increase capacity and introduce more international routes.

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Navi Mumbai International Airport to Be Named After Loknete D. B. Patil


As the inauguration of the Navi Mumbai International Airport draws closer, a major announcement has brought both relief and celebration across Maharashtra. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed that the state government has sent a formal proposal to the Centre, requesting that the airport be named after Loknete D. B. Patil — a revered leader known for his relentless advocacy for project-affected people, especially in Navi Mumbai.

The move comes after decades of persistent demands by local residents, most notably the Agri-Koli community, who have strongly associated the development of Navi Mumbai with Patil’s vision and leadership. Over the years, protests and movements had gained momentum, with many warning that the airport would not be allowed to operate unless it bore his name.

This decision marks a significant political and emotional milestone. For many in the region, it is not just about the name of an airport, but the long-overdue acknowledgment of a leader who stood up for displaced families and ensured they were heard during the planning and expansion phases of the Navi Mumbai project.

Chief Minister Fadnavis’s announcement has received cross-party and community support, and sources indicate that both the Civil Aviation Ministry and the Government of India are aligned with the proposal. With approvals in progress, the naming of D. B. Patil International Airport now enters its final stage — just ahead of the official launch of operations.

Once operational, the airport is expected to ease the load on Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, and become a vital gateway for international and domestic travel. Naming it after D. B. Patil ensures that his legacy will remain etched not only in the memories of the people he served, but also in the infrastructure of the state he helped shape.

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Navi Mumbai International Airport Welcomes Its First Commercial Flight


In a significant milestone, Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) received its first commercial flight today, marking the beginning of a new era in aviation for the region. The inaugural flight was operated by IndiGo Airlines, one of India’s leading low-cost carriers.

The airport, which is expected to become fully operational by March 2025, will serve as a secondary hub for Mumbai, alleviating congestion at the existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA). With a projected capacity to handle over 90 million passengers and 2.5 million tonnes of cargo per annum, NMIA is poised to become one of India’s busiest airports.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) had earlier made the first-ever landing at the airport on October 11, 2024, with its Airbus C295 aircraft. Today’s commercial flight marks a major step forward in the airport’s operationalization.