Navi Mumbai International Airport crosses 1 lakh passengers within three weeks of operations
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Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) has crossed the one-lakh passenger mark within 19 days of commencing commercial operations, signalling strong early traction and rising travel demand from the Mumbai metropolitan region.
Passenger traffic gathers pace
Data released by the airport operator showed that NMIA handled 1,09,917 passengers between the start of operations and January 12, 2026. This included 55,934 arriving passengers and 53,983 departing passengers, reflecting a balanced traffic mix in the initial phase. The airport recorded its busiest day so far on January 10, when it handled 7,345 passengers.
Flight movements see steady ramp-up
Flight activity has also picked up steadily. During the period, NMIA managed 734 air traffic movements (ATMs), including 32 general aviation movements, indicating growing utilisation beyond scheduled commercial flights. Industry observers see the early ramp-up as a positive indicator for the airport, which is expected to gradually ease congestion at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.
Operational throughput in focus
Operational metrics suggest a focus on throughput and handling efficiency during the early days of service. The airport processed over 40,260 arriving bags and 38,774 departing bags, pointing to stable baggage operations as traffic volumes increase.
Cargo operations take shape
Cargo operations, though still at a nascent stage, have also begun to take shape. NMIA handled 22.21 tonnes of cargo during the period, underlining its positioning as a dual-purpose facility catering to both passenger and freight movement from the outset.
January 2026
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Key routes and next phase of expansion
In terms of connectivity, Delhi, Goa and Bengaluru emerged as the most active routes, highlighting strong demand on key metro and leisure sectors. Airlines are expected to add capacity and expand route networks in phases as the airport scales up operations.
NMIA is being developed as a critical infrastructure project to support long-term aviation growth in the Mumbai region. With passenger numbers rising steadily in the initial weeks, the focus is now expected to shift to a calibrated expansion of flight schedules, services and cargo activity in the coming months.