The long-awaited Navi Mumbai International Airport is finally gearing up to welcome passengers. After years of planning, construction, and anticipation, the airport is set to begin operations from December 25. Although an official announcement from the airport authorities is yet to come, the launch became clear when Akasa Air opened bookings for the first day of flights.
For Mumbai and Navi Mumbai residents tired of congestion at the existing airport, the second airport marks a major shift in travel comfort and connectivity. From the first flight schedule to the cities you can fly to and how to reach the new airport, here’s a complete guide.
A New Beginning: Navi Mumbai International Airport Starts December 25
The airport was inaugurated by the Prime Minister on October 8 and now prepares for its first commercial operations. Built across 1,160 hectares by Navi Mumbai International Airport Limited, the project is set to transform air travel in the region.
Once both runways become fully operational, NMIA will be able to handle up to nine crore passengers every year. Combined with the existing airport in Mumbai, the city can eventually accommodate nearly 150 million flyers annually.
Cities You Can Fly to From Navi Mumbai Airport
Akasa Air Becomes First Airline to Begin Operations
Akasa Air has officially announced flights from Navi Mumbai starting December 25. Initial destinations include:
- Delhi
- Goa
- Kochi
- Ahmedabad
These are the first four cities passengers can travel to from NMIA as flight operations begin in phases.
Akasa Air shared an update stating that its maiden Delhi to Navi Mumbai flight will land on December 25, marking a historic moment. With this, the airline becomes one of the first to launch commercial services from the new airport.
First Flight Details
The airline has already opened bookings, and the inaugural flight has been scheduled as:
QP 1831 – Departs Delhi at 5:25 am and lands in Navi Mumbai at 8:10 am on December 25.
The return flight for the same day is:
QP 132 – Departs Navi Mumbai at 8:50 am.
As of Friday, the one-way fare from Navi Mumbai to Delhi was around Rs 6,000.
The airport will initially operate for only 12 hours a day starting at 8 am, meaning flight schedules will be phased and limited in the early months.
Flight Timings and Frequency
Different routes will operate on different schedules:
Delhi Route
- Daily flights
- Morning arrival in Navi Mumbai around 8:50 am
- Return flight to Delhi at 10:55 am
Goa Route
- Daily flights
- Additional flights on select days
Kochi Route
- Five flights a week
- Limited schedule as services ramp up
Ahmedabad Route
- Flights every Wednesday beginning December 31
For updated schedules and bookings, flyers can check the Akasa Air website or contact travel agents.
Where Is Navi Mumbai International Airport Located?
The new airport is located in Ulwe, a rapidly developing node in Navi Mumbai. It falls under Panvel Taluka in Raigad district. The official address is:
Ulwe, Targhar Dapoli Road, Panvel Taluka, Raigad
The location connects well to both Mumbai and Navi Mumbai through existing and upcoming highways, metro routes, and India’s longest sea bridge.
How to Reach Navi Mumbai International Airport
Reaching the airport depends on where you’re coming from. Here’s a breakdown of the main routes:
From Mumbai, Thane, and Suburbs
Via Eastern Express Highway
People from Thane, Mulund, Airoli, and nearby areas can drive via:
- Eastern Express Highway
- Thane-Kalwa-Vitawa-Digha-Nerul-Belapur-Ulwe Road
Approximate travel distance: 35–40 km
Via Western Express Highway
Residents from Western suburbs can use:
- JVLR
- Eastern Express Highway
- Vashi Creek Bridge
Distance: 40–45 km
Via Sion-Panvel Highway
- Chembur
- Vashi
- Nerul
- Belapur
- Panvel
- NH 4B
- Aamra Marg
The Eastern Freeway makes it easier for those coming from South Mumbai to connect to Chembur before joining the Sion-Panvel route.
Reaching NMIA from South Mumbai: The MTHL Advantage
The Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (Atal Setu) is one of the biggest advantages for passengers from South Mumbai.
After crossing Sewri on the MTHL towards Nhava Sheva, travelers reach very close to the airport. An upcoming Ulwe Coastal Road connecting directly to MTHL will further reduce travel time.
Estimated time after crossing MTHL: 20–25 minutes
The new sea bridge alone cuts down travel time by nearly 20 minutes compared to traditional road routes.
Public Transport Options
Buses
State transport, CIDCO, and private airport express buses are expected to operate from key hubs such as:
- Dadar
- Thane
- Vashi
- Panvel
Timings and stops will differ depending on the starting point.
Local Trains
Passengers can take trains to Panvel on the Harbour Line connecting:
- CSMT
- Wadala Road
- Mankhurd
- Vashi
- Nerul
- Belapur
- Panvel
Navi Mumbai residents and Thane commuters can also use the Trans-Harbour line. From Panvel station, local transport will take passengers to the airport.
Metro
Navi Mumbai Metro Line 1, running from Belapur to Pendhar, is operational and improving connectivity within the region. More metro lines are expected to align with airport access in the coming years.
What to Expect When NMIA Opens
Limited Hours Initially
Operations begin with 12-hour window starting at 8 am. As the airport expands staffing and infrastructure, full-day operations are expected.
Phase-Wise Expansion
Initially, only four cities will be connected. Gradually, domestic and international routes are likely to be added.
Less Congestion
The biggest advantage for passengers will be shorter queues, smoother boarding processes, and more comfortable travel, especially for residents of Navi Mumbai, Thane, and Raigad.
A New Chapter for Mumbai’s Aviation Story
The launch of the Navi Mumbai International Airport is a significant step toward easing pressure on Mumbai’s crowded airspace. With modern infrastructure, better connectivity, and phased expansion, NMIA is set to become a major aviation hub.
Passengers can finally look forward to more convenience, shorter travel times, and better connectivity on both short and long routes.
As flight operations begin this December 25, the excitement is already in the air.
