### Navi Mumbai International Airport Set to Transform Air Travel in India The Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 8, 2025, is poised to commence commercial operations on December 25, 2025. This new greenfield airport aims to enhance the aviation capacity of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) and improve passenger safety, reliability, and comfort. The airport will initially operate from 8 AM to 8 PM, with plans to expand to 24/7 operations by February 2026, and will feature 23 scheduled daily departures, connecting Mumbai to 16 major domestic destinations [https://news.abplive.com/cities/navi-mumbai-international-airport-to-start-ops-on-dec-25-inaugural-flight-to-arrive-from-bengaluru-1812218][https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/mumbai-news/navi-mumbai-airport-to-open-on-dec-25-with-limited-hrs-indigo-to-operate-first-flight-from-bengaluru-101763405968255.html]. ### Overview of Key Developments and Operations 1. **Operational Launch**: NMIA will begin operations on December 25, 2025, with an inaugural flight from Bengaluru operated by IndiGo [https://www.republicworld.com/india/navi-mumbai-international-airport-to-begin-commercial-operations-from-december-25-2025]. 2. **Flight Schedule**: The airport will initially handle 23 daily departures, with a capacity for up to 10 aircraft movements per hour [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/business/3700506-new-horizons-navi-mumbai-international-airport-set-to-soar]. 3. **Airline Participation**: IndiGo and Akasa Air are among the first airlines to operate from NMIA, with IndiGo connecting to ten cities and Akasa Air to four [https://www.fortuneindia.com/business-news/indigo-akasa-air-to-start-operations-from-navi-mumbai-airport-on-dec-25/128192]. 4. **Future Expansion**: The airport is designed to complement the existing Mumbai International Airport and meet the rising demand for air travel in the region [https://www.timesnownews.com/mumbai/navi-mumbai-international-airport-opening-soon-when-do-operations-begin-indigo-akasa-air-reveals-mumbai-news-article-153158021]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Initial Operations**: NMIA will operate from 8 AM to 8 PM initially, expanding to 24/7 operations by February 2026 [https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/mumbai-news/navi-mumbai-airport-to-open-on-dec-25-with-limited-hrs-indigo-to-operate-first-flight-from-bengaluru-101763405968255.html]. - **Flight Capacity**: The airport will manage 23 scheduled departures daily, with plans for increased capacity as operations stabilize [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/business/3700506-new-horizons-navi-mumbai-international-airport-set-to-soar]. - **Airline Routes**: IndiGo will connect NMIA to ten cities, while Akasa Air will serve four destinations, enhancing regional connectivity [https://www.fortuneindia.com/business-news/indigo-akasa-air-to-start-operations-from-navi-mumbai-airport-on-dec-25/128192]. ### Conclusion: A New Era for Aviation in Mumbai The Navi Mumbai International Airport is set to significantly enhance air travel in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. 1. **Launch Date**: Operations will begin on December 25, 2025, with an inaugural flight from Bengaluru [https://www.republicworld.com/india/navi-mumbai-international-airport-to-begin-commercial-operations-from-december-25-2025]. 2. **Initial Operations**: The airport will initially operate from 8 AM to 8 PM, with plans to expand to 24/7 service by February 2026 [https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/mumbai-news/navi-mumbai-airport-to-open-on-dec-25-with-limited-hrs-indigo-to-operate-first-flight-from-bengaluru-101763405968255.html]. 3. **Airline Participation**: IndiGo and Akasa Air will be the first airlines to operate from NMIA, connecting multiple domestic destinations [https://www.fortuneindia.com/business-news/indigo-akasa-air-to-start-operations-from-navi-mumbai-airport-on-dec-25/128192]. This new airport is expected to alleviate congestion at the existing Mumbai airport and cater to the growing demand for air travel in one of India's busiest metropolitan areas.