India’s largest airline, IndiGo, plans to operate 18 daily departures — 36 air traffic movements — from Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) to over 15 cities from day one, making it the first airline to commit to operating from NMIA at the start of commercial operations.

IndiGo said this frequency will be increased to 79 daily departures, including 14 international departures, by November 2025, and further scaled up to over 100 daily departures by March 2026. By November 2026, the operations will be further increased to 140 daily departures, including 30 international departures, the airline said.

IndiGo and Adani Airport Holdings Ltd (AAHL) on Wednesday announced the commencement of commercial flights from Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA). “This partnership will fuel aviation growth in the country, making it a key driver for India to become the third-largest aviation economy by 2030,” they said in a statement.

NMIA is a greenfield international airport at Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra build through a Public Private Partnership (PPP) between Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL), a subsidiary of Adani Airports Holdings Ltd (AAHL), which holds the majority stake of 74%, while the City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra Limited (CIDCO) a Government of Maharashtra undertaking, holds the remaining 26%.

The launch of NMIA will create a dual-airport system for the financial capital of the country, enabling the de-congestion of the over-burdened Mumbai airport and enhancing the overall passenger experience. The augmented capacity offered by both the airports is expected to boost economic growth for the Mumbai region.

“IndiGo will be the inaugural airline to operate from NMIA and we couldn’t be more pleased to announce this. Our alliance signals towards achievement of complete operational readiness on both sides to take next steps. This expansion underscores our dedication to catering to the evolving needs of our aspirational travellers and further contributing to the growth of India's booming aviation sector. The new flights from the brand-new NMIA will elevate the travel experience of our customers while enjoying affordable, on-time hassle-free services on our unparalleled network,” said Pieter Elbers, Chief Executive Officer, IndiGo.

In its initial phase, Navi Mumbai International Airport is set to handle 20 million passengers and 0.5 MMT of cargo per annum, with the capacity to serve 90 million passengers and 3.2 MMT of cargo per annum, once complete.

Located in Navi Mumbai, NMIA is strategically positioned to cater to the burgeoning air traffic demands of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and Western India. Spanning over 1,160 hectares (2,866 acres), the airport will feature two parallel runways, terminal buildings, and cargo facilities.

Commenting on the partnership, Arun Bansal, CEO, AAHL said, “We are delighted to announce IndiGo as the first airline partner to commence operations from NMIA. This partnership marks a major step towards confirming NMIA’s position as a transfer hub for domestic and international travellers. Together, we are poised to transform travel experience for millions of passengers, providing them both convenience and enhanced travel options. Our collaboration is set to strengthen NMIA’s role as an aviation gateway for the region and for travellers nationally and internationally.”

IndiGo said it is committed to expanding its reach by offering both domestic and international destinations from NMIA. “To enhance connectivity and convenience for its customers, IndiGo is strategically expanding its network across the country to ensure that airports are accessible to maximum Indian population. This expansion highlights IndiGo's commitment to deliver seamless travel experience and enhanced customer convenience,” the budget carrier said.