New Delhi: Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is set to operate its first commercial flight on Thursday, December 25, aligning with the festive rush. This will reduce travel time, boost tourism, and attract large-scale investments in the region. The Greenfield Airport is expected to have 30 Air Traffic Movements, including arrivals and departures, on the first day of operations, according to the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO).
“The commencement of operations at the Navi Mumbai International Airport reflects the Maharashtra government and CIDCO’s sustained commitment to infrastructure development,” said Vijay Singhal, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of CIDCO.
“This landmark project symbolises our commitment to futuristic infrastructure, inclusive growth, and global connectivity. It is a proud moment for every citizen who believed in this vision and supported this journey over the years,” he added.
The setup of the terminal is inspired by an iconic lotus design, developed by the Adani Group and Navi Mumbai International Airport Ltd. (NMIAL). The launch of the new airport will benefit the residents of Navi Mumbai and surrounding cities like Pune, Panvel, Raigad, Thane, and the Konkan region.
Navi Mumbai Airport’s first operation
The major airlines will undergo the inauguration day of the operations, including IndiGo, Akasa Air, Air India Express, and Star Air. The first arrival will be of IndiGo flight 6E 460 from Bengaluru, arriving at 8:00 am, while flight 6E 882 will mark the first departure to Hyderabad at 8:40 am.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Greenfield Airport on October 8, and it is located near Ulwe/Belapur-Kharghar in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The cost of the project is about Rs 19,650 crore, and the airport is spread over about 1,160 hectares.
How to reach the airport?
The Atal Setu (Mumbai Trans Harbour Link) is the fastest and smoothest route to reach the airport, but it includes a toll. Passengers can also travel via the Vashi bridge, as it is a toll-free route, but passengers can get stuck in traffic during peak hours.
The nearest railway station is Targhar railway station from the airport.