Flight Buzz
Navi Mumbai International Airport Readies for First Commercial Flight in September 2025: A New Era for India’s Aviation Sector with Smart Solutions and Eco-Friendly Operations
Sunday, July 13, 2025
The Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), a major addition to India’s aviation infrastructure, is all set to launch its first commercial passenger flight in just two months—a milestone expected to reshape the region’s connectivity and play a key role in supporting India’s growing aviation demands. Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed that the inaugural flight from NMIA is scheduled for September 30, 2025, marking a crucial step in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region’s ambition to become a global aviation hub, complementing the existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM).
Aviation Expansion in Mumbai Metropolitan Region
The Navi Mumbai International Airport represents a significant milestone in the region’s aviation infrastructure expansion. Situated in Navi Mumbai, the airport aims to relieve pressure from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, which currently handles the majority of Mumbai’s air traffic. The launch of NMIA will introduce a second major airport to serve the region, providing passengers with more flight options and relieving congestion at BOM.
With 94% of the construction work completed, the airport is on track for a September debut, with the final interior and facade works nearing completion. NMIA is expected to become one of the most technologically advanced airports in India, focusing on high-speed operations, sustainability, and smart passenger services.
Navi Mumbai International Airport: A Modern Airport for the Future
The Navi Mumbai International Airport is being built with the latest technologies, making it one of the most advanced airports in India. Its standout feature will be a high-efficiency baggage handling system, which incorporates 360-degree barcode scanners to speed up baggage claim processes, with the goal of becoming the fastest baggage claim system in the world. This technology will enhance accuracy and speed, significantly reducing wait times for passengers.
NMIA’s design includes two parallel runways, designed to handle 90 million passengers annually, a massive expansion compared to Mumbai’s current airport capacity. The airport’s terminal building is almost complete, with only final interior finishes and façade work left. Over 13,000 workers have been employed to meet the September deadline, with additional labor being brought in to ensure the remaining tasks are completed on time.
Sustainability at the Core of NMIA
The development of NMIA is being carried out with a strong commitment to sustainability. The airport will be a green airport, generating 37 MW of its own renewable energy, ensuring that its operations are environmentally responsible. The goal is for the airport to be powered using electric vehicles and alternative fuels. Furthermore, the airport will serve as a major hub for sustainable aviation fuel, contributing to the aviation industry’s efforts to reduce its environmental impact.
The airport is built on 1,160 hectares of land, with significant pre-development work, including river diversions and land preparation, managed by CIDCO (City and Industrial Development Corporation). Financial closure for the project was achieved in March 2022, with ₹12,770 crore funded by the State Bank of India, out of a total project cost of ₹19,647 crore.
Connectivity: A Key Priority for NMIA
Connectivity is one of the most critical factors in ensuring the success of NMIA. To ensure that passengers have seamless access to the airport, infrastructure projects are being fast-tracked. Atal Setu, which connects the airport to the Coastal Road, and the proposed elevated expressway from Thane, will provide swift connectivity. Four-directional access via suburban rail, metro lines, highways, and water transport will make NMIA highly accessible to passengers from all corners of the region.
One of the most innovative features of NMIA will be its remote baggage check-in system, which allows passengers to check in their bags at multiple remote locations before they even reach the airport. This system will ensure that passengers can enjoy a hassle-free, baggage-free journey to the airport. Moreover, NMIA will introduce an underground terminal train system in its second phase, allowing passengers to move between terminals quickly and without the use of vehicles.
Final Preparations and Inauguration
The Maharashtra government has already submitted a naming proposal for the new airport to the Central Government. The final name of the airport is expected to be confirmed before its official inauguration. Chief Minister Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde are set to meet with the Prime Minister’s Office to finalize the name before the airport opens to the public.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who performed the foundation ceremony for the airport, is expected to inaugurate the NMIA, underscoring the project’s national significance and the government’s commitment to improving India’s aviation infrastructure.
A Boon for India’s Tourism and Economy
The opening of NMIA is expected to have a significant impact on India’s tourism and economy. The airport will serve as a critical hub for both domestic and international flights, easing the pressure on Mumbai’s existing airport and boosting connectivity across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. As India continues to expand its tourism sector, NMIA will be a crucial player in accommodating the influx of international visitors.
Moreover, the new airport will open up economic opportunities by creating thousands of jobs, improving infrastructure, and supporting aviation-related industries. NMIA is also expected to drive growth in the hospitality, retail, and transportation sectors, supporting the economic development of Maharashtra and India as a whole.
The Future of Navi Mumbai International Airport
Looking to the future, NMIA is designed to grow in stages, with the second phase set to introduce even more advanced technologies and facilities. The final configuration will include two parallel runways and the ability to handle over 90 million passengers annually, making it one of the largest and most sophisticated airports in India. The addition of the second runway will allow NMIA to handle more international flights, including connections to Europe, North America, and East Asia.
With its focus on sustainability, advanced technologies, and seamless connectivity, NMIA will play a crucial role in supporting India’s growing aviation demands, making Mumbai one of the top aviation hubs in Asia.
Challenges and Final Push
While NMIA is slated to open on September 30, 2025, the final phase of construction is still underway. The challenge now lies in ensuring that the remaining work—particularly in areas such as security procedures, passenger flow, and operational testing—is completed smoothly and on time. Authorities are actively conducting final inspections to ensure that everything is in place for a safe and smooth launch.
As the airport prepares for its first passenger flight, India’s aviation industry eagerly anticipates the opening of NMIA. The arrival of this new airport marks a major step forward in improving aviation infrastructure, supporting the tourism sector, and contributing to the country’s economic growth.
Conclusion
Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is set to become a landmark development in India’s aviation industry. With its technologically advanced systems, sustainability focus, and extensive connectivity options, NMIA will not only ease the pressure on Mumbai’s existing airport but also support India’s growth as a global aviation hub. As the airport prepares for its first passenger flight in just two months, it promises to be a major game-changer for India’s travel and tourism landscape.
Here’s our weekly roundup of new air routes and codeshare partnerships
Philippine Airlines restarts seasonal Manila-Sapporo route
Philippine Airlines (PAL) will resume seasonal direct flights between Manila and Sapporo from November 24, 2025 to March 27, 2026. The service will reconnect the Philippine capital with northern Japan during the winter travel season.
Flights to Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport will operate every Monday, Wednesday and Friday using the airline’s Airbus A321neo aircraft. PAL intends for this route to operate during every subsequent winter season from November to March.
The 168-seat Airbus A321neo is configured with 12 business class and 156 economy class seats, and is equipped with in-flight entertainment and Wi-Fi.
PAL operates an extensive network between the Philippines and Japan, offering direct services to Osaka Kansai, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Tokyo Haneda and Tokyo Narita, as well as flights from Cebu to Osaka Kansai and Tokyo Narita.
Loong Air adds Xi’an-Kuala Lumpur flights
Loong Air has launched its new Xi’an-Kuala Lumpur service, with the inaugural flight arriving at Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2 today. The route marks a step forward in strengthening tourism and economic ties between Malaysia and China.
The launch was marked by a ceremony attended by senior officials from Tourism Malaysia, Malaysia Airports Holdings and Loong Air.
The route is operated using a 174-seat Airbus A320 and runs three times weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Vietjet to launch daily Danang-Kuala Lumpur service in October
Vietjet will introduce a new direct route between Danang and Kuala Lumpur, beginning October 26, 2025. The daily round-trip service will enhance connectivity between central Vietnam and Malaysia’s capital city.
This marks Vietjet’s third direct route linking Vietnam and Malaysia, and follows the airline’s continued network expansion across South-east Asia. The new service comes after the introduction of 12 international routes in 2025, including new destinations in China, India, Japan and Singapore.
Saudia, Vietnam Airlines sign codeshare agreement
Saudia, the national carrier of Saudi Arabia, has signed a codeshare agreement with Vietnam Airlines to improve connectivity between Vietnam and Saudi Arabia.
The agreement allows passengers to travel on flights connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City with Jeddah and Riyadh, and to book itineraries through either airline, including flights operated by the partner carrier. The arrangement aims to offer greater flexibility and a more streamlined booking experience.
The partnership supports Saudia’s plans to expand its network and enhance passenger services, both on the ground and in the air. It also supports Saudi Arabia’s aim to connect with over 250 destinations and attract 150 million visits by 2030.
COPENHAGEN — China Eastern Airlines on Thursday launched a new direct route between China’s Shanghai and Denmark’s Copenhagen, strengthening air connectivity between the two countries.
An Airbus A330 aircraft landed at Copenhagen Airport at 7 pm local time, where it was greeted with a traditional water salute. After two hours, the return flight departed Copenhagen, carrying over 250 passengers back to Shanghai.
A ceremony was held at Copenhagen Airport’s terminal to celebrate the inaugural flight. China Eastern Airlines prepared special commemorative gifts for passengers on both the outbound and return journeys.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chinese Ambassador to Denmark Wang Xuefeng said the new route creates another “air bridge” between China and Denmark, helping to deepen practical cooperation in various fields, enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples, and promote business exchanges and collaboration.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The new route will initially operate three flights per week on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Starting Sept 24, the service will expand to four weekly flights, adding a flight on Wednesdays.
Aegean Airlines has announced the addition of two new Airbus A321neo XLR (Extra Long Range) aircraft, enabling the airline to significantly expand its international reach, including its much-anticipated entry into the Indian market. The state-of-the-art aircraft, with a flight range of up to 10.5 hours, will support the launch of direct flights from Greece to India, starting in March 2026.
The airline has confirmed it will commence five weekly flights to New Delhi from March 2026, followed by three weekly flights to Mumbai from May 2026, establishing its first two destinations in India. The full flight schedule and ticket availability will be announced by the end of September 2025. Aegean is also evaluating further expansion in the Indian market with future connections to Bangalore, as well as other long-haul destinations including the Seychelles, Maldives, Nairobi, Almaty, and Lagos, aligned with the delivery of additional A321neo LR aircraft in 2027 and 2028.
With this latest addition, AEGEAN’s total Airbus A320/A321neo order now stands at 60 aircraft, 36 of which have already been delivered. The new A321neo XLR aircraft are configured with just 138 seats, featuring 24 fully lie-flat Business Class Suites with aisle access and premium privacy, and a spacious Economy Class equipped with 4K entertainment screens, satellite Wi-Fi, USB charging, and enhanced overhead bins, promising a superior long-haul experience.
The aircraft will be delivered in December 2025 and January 2026, bolstering Aegean’s specialized fleet for long-haul destinations beyond the EU, particularly those exceeding four hours in flight duration.
Eftichios Vassilakis, Chairman, Aegean stated, “The addition of these two A321neo XLR aircraft with special configuration, which will be delivered in 2025, in addition to the four A321neo LRs that we plan to take delivery in 2027 and 2028, accelerates our access to the extremely important Indian market, but also allows for the immediate upgrade of our product and services to destinations outside the EU, longer than 4 hours in which we already operate. The A321neo XLR and LR aircraft mark the beginning of a new chapter for Aegean, with new possibilities for growth but also new options for our passengers and the connectivity of our country. With new fleet capabilities, strong vertically integrated support infrastructure and most importantly drawing upon the creativity and strengths of our people, we plan to move forward with ambitious but also careful and consistent steps as always.”
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