Mumbai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday inaugurated the first phase of the much-awaited Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), marking a major milestone in India’s aviation infrastructure. The airport, touted as the country’s first fully digital facility, is expected to begin operations in December 2025.
According to officials, ticket sales for commercial flights are likely to commence by the end of October. Airlines including IndiGo, Akasa Air, and Air India Express are among the first to start services from the new terminal.
Built at an estimated cost of ₹19,650 crore, NMIA will make Mumbai one of the few metropolitan regions in the world—alongside London, New York, and Tokyo—to operate multiple international airports. The project is seen as a major boost to regional connectivity and passenger convenience in western India.
What sets the Navi Mumbai International Airport apart is its complete digital integration. Passengers will have access to pre-booked vehicle parking, online baggage drop scheduling, and automated immigration services, creating what airport authorities call an “anxiety-free travel experience.”
Arun Bansal, CEO of Adani Airports Holdings Limited (AAHL), which manages the airport, said the technology-driven design will redefine passenger comfort. “Travellers will receive real-time updates such as which number their bag is on the carousel, directly on their mobile phones,” he said.
The opening of NMIA’s first phase positions Maharashtra as a growing aviation hub, further strengthening India’s infrastructure and global connectivity.
