Mumbai: Navi Mumbai Airport will start operations on December 25 with a phased rollout, handling a limited number of flights initially. The airport will begin with around 30 flights a day, operating at a capacity of roughly eight flights per hour. Adani Group, which manages the airport, has said the phased launch is intended to ensure a smooth start and address minor operational issues before full-scale operations commence.
The airport’s activity is expected to increase steadily over the next six weeks. By February, the facility is projected to operate at full capacity, handling 24 to 30 flights per hour, a significant increase from the initial load. Officials have clarified that the decision to launch on Christmas Day was based on operational considerations, as the period typically sees lower traffic, allowing for a controlled start.
The Navi Mumbai facility is part of Adani Group’s growing aviation network. Since 2019, the group has expanded rapidly to become India’s largest private airport operator, managing eight airports, including the acquisition of Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. The launch of Navi Mumbai Airport is seen as a strategic expansion to address increasing air traffic in the Mumbai metropolitan region.
The phased approach reflects broader industry practices, where new airports scale operations gradually to ensure safety, efficiency, and minimal disruption to passengers and airlines during the initial period.
