The much-awaited Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) officially began operation with its inaugural flights on Friday. This marked a major milestone for India’s aviation infrastructure as Mumbai joins the list of megacities with London, New York, Moscow, Tokyo, Shanghai with multiple airports. Experts say that the new airport will boost the region’s economy by attracting billions in foreign investments.

At the newly inaugurated airport, the first arrival flight was Indigo 6E460, scheduled at 8 am and received with a traditional welcome with water cannons. Over half an hour later, the NMIA departed its first Indigo flight to Hyderabad around 8:40 am.

A major milestone

The inauguration of NMIA is one of the major milestones in the aviation industry for several reasons. First, it will reduce the heavy congestion and passenger load at Mumbai International Airport which was operating with just one runway for decades. Secondly, the airport is already attracting major real estate investments to the region, and it will further boost the economic activities there. Thirdly, according to experts, it will reshape the region’s travel and growth landscape.

To accommodate 90 million passengers annually

India's aviation industry is growing fast as millions of new travellers take to the skies each year. To meet this rising demand, the airport is built to accommodate more than 90 million passengers annually once it's fully operational with all its four runways. As of now, the airport is operating with its Terminal 1 which has the capacity to handle 20 million passengers annually.

The airport spans 1,160 hectares and is working in synergy in a twin-airport system and easing pressure on Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA).
Its creation has involved vast engineering efforts, from tunnelling hills to relocating villages.

An engineering marvel

The Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, is inspired by the lotus flower, a symbol of purity in Indian culture. Its roof resembles lotus petals, and the central atrium feels like a lotus pond.

The terminal uses an innovative dual-column system. Twelve sculptural columns guide passengers and let daylight fill the space, while seventeen mega columns hold the wide lotus-shaped roof. This design creates large open areas and gives the roof a floating appearance. The curved petal structure required custom moulds and precise construction. The roof also handles rainwater and reduces wind pressure, combining cultural design with practical engineering for a better passenger experience.

To boost Maharashtra’s GDP by 0.5%

More importantly, the NMIA has the potential to boost Maharashtra’s GDP by at least 0.5% by attracting billions in foreign and private investments.

Furthermore, this will also spur real estate growth, with property prices appreciating by as much as 30% in key areas. The airport is also designed with sustainability in mind, incorporating features like solar power and rainwater harvesting.

Providing relaxation, increasing income

According to the official press release, NMIA is moving towards a “passenger to product strategy” to boost non-aeronautical income, similar to major international airports where this type of revenue can contribute up to 40%.

The plan is to make the airport a place where people come not only to fly, but also to shop, eat and spend time.

The airport will have 110 retail and food outlets, including 1,800 sq. m. of duty-free space in both arrivals and departures.

There will be special zones for experiences to keep travellers engaged for longer, along with food options that highlight Mumbai’s local flavours.

The landside area will include entertainment and dining that even non-travellers can enjoy, bringing in more customers. With 67 general aviation stands, NMIA also aims to attract premium flyers. Overall, the goal is to match global standards in non-aero revenue.