Navi Mumbai Airport Set to Launch Commercial Flights December 25, Making Mumbai India's First Dual-Airport City

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region is poised to achieve a historic aviation milestone as the Navi Mumbai International Airport prepares to commence commercial airline operations from December 25, 2025. This development will make Mumbai the first city in India to operate two functional airports simultaneously, marking a transformative moment for the nation's aviation infrastructure.

Historic Infrastructure Achievement for Mumbai

Industry sources have confirmed that the airport, which was inaugurated by the Prime Minister on October 8, 2025, will begin handling passenger flights before the end of the year. The facility will initially operate with one terminal and a single runway, designed to accommodate 20 million passengers annually. This addition comes at a crucial time as the existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport currently operates near its maximum capacity, managing over 55 million passengers per year.

The launch of Navi Mumbai's new aviation facility represents years of planning and development aimed at addressing the region's growing air travel demand and positioning Mumbai as a globally competitive dual-airport metropolitan hub.

Akasa Air Announces Inaugural Flight Schedule

While official confirmation from the airport authority remains pending, Akasa Air has emerged as the first airline to publicly announce its flight operations from the new facility. The airline will begin services on December 25, connecting Navi Mumbai to Delhi, Goa, Kochi, and Ahmedabad.

According to the announced schedule, the special inaugural flight from Delhi to Navi Mumbai will depart at 5:25 AM and arrive at 8:10 AM. The return service from Navi Mumbai will depart at 8:50 AM the same day. Current one-way fares on the Delhi-Navi Mumbai route are priced around ₹6,000.

Following the inaugural day, Akasa will operate daily flights between Navi Mumbai and Delhi, with regular arrivals scheduled for 8:50 AM and departures at 10:55 AM. The airline will also maintain daily flights to Goa, five weekly flights to Kochi, and one weekly flight to Ahmedabad every Wednesday.

Limited Initial Operating Hours

The new airport will begin operations with a 12-hour daily operational window, running from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Airport authorities have indicated plans for gradual expansion of operating hours, along with infrastructure additions and increased flight schedules in subsequent phases as demand grows and operational efficiency improves.

Multiple Airlines Preparing for Launch

Beyond Akasa Air's confirmed schedule, industry sources indicate that IndiGo and Air India Express are also finalizing preparations to launch services from the new facility. Air India Express is expected to operate five daily departures connecting Navi Mumbai to major metropolitan centers including Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata.

IndiGo had previously announced ambitious plans to operate 36 domestic flights connecting 15 cities from the airport's opening day. All major carriers have already received slot allocations for operations at the Navi Mumbai facility, enabling them to finalize schedules and begin ticket sales.

Enhanced Passenger Choice and Airport Code Distinction

Once operational, passengers booking flights to or from Mumbai will have the option to select between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (airport code: BOM) and Navi Mumbai International Airport (airport code: NMI) when purchasing tickets through online platforms. This distinction will allow travelers to choose based on convenience, pricing, and proximity to their origin or destination within the metropolitan region.

Real Estate and Economic Implications

The dual-airport system is expected to significantly reduce operational pressure on the existing Mumbai airport while offering enhanced scheduling flexibility for airlines and passengers. Aviation experts believe the new facility will substantially improve regional connectivity and stimulate economic activity throughout the metropolitan region.

Real estate analysts predict substantial development momentum in areas surrounding the new airport, particularly in Ulwe's emerging residential and commercial zones, Panvel's strategic location near the airport, and Dronagiri's industrial and logistics corridors. The enhanced connectivity is expected to drive property appreciation, attract new businesses, and accelerate infrastructure development across these areas.

The establishment of improved Mumbai-Navi Mumbai airport connectivity through Metro-8 is anticipated to further strengthen the economic and real estate potential of the region. Industry observers note that the airport's launch aligns with broader infrastructure initiatives that are transforming the Mumbai Metropolitan Region's development trajectory.

Positioning Mumbai as Future-Ready Aviation Hub

With its scheduled December 25 launch, the Navi Mumbai International Airport is set to inaugurate a new chapter for aviation infrastructure, regional connectivity, and economic growth in Mumbai. The facility positions the city as a future-ready, dual-airport hub on the global aviation map, capable of handling increased passenger volumes while supporting the metropolitan region's continued economic expansion.

The coordinated operation of two major airports within a single metropolitan region represents a significant achievement in India's aviation infrastructure development and sets a precedent for other major cities experiencing capacity constraints at their existing facilities.

Disclaimer: This article is based on information available as of November 2025. Flight schedules, operational details, and airline participation are subject to change. Passengers are advised to verify current information with respective airlines and airport authorities before making travel arrangements. The views expressed regarding real estate impacts represent market analysis and should not be considered investment advice.