India’s much-anticipated Navi Mumbai International Airport is all set for a grand opening in June 2025. With modern infrastructure and a vision to decongest the ever-busy Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), this new aviation hub is poised to transform air travel across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
A Strategic Shift For Airlines, But Not All At Once
Navi Mumbai Airport now clearly visible on Google Earth. Also connection from all sides are visible. pic.twitter.com/RNmyhLAllM
— Chandrashekhar Dhage (@cbdhage) March 24, 2025
With the Navi Mumbai International Airport nearing completion, airlines are rethinking their operational strategies. Several carriers, including the Air India Group, are expected to shift part of their domestic operations from CSMIA to the new airport once it opens. This redistribution aims to ease terminal crowding and streamline passenger flow.
Interestingly, IndiGo – India’s leading low-cost carrier – has decided not to exit Terminal 1 (T1) of CSMIA for now. The airline, known for its stronghold in domestic travel, will continue to serve passengers from T1, citing convenience and operational consistency. IndiGo’s presence at T1 remains crucial for maintaining its extensive domestic network, especially as full-scale transitions take time to execute.
CSMIA’s Terminal 1 Headed For A Revamp
D.B. Patil Navi Mumbai International Airport Arrival Plaza interior work update pic.twitter.com/r3ArkIWH4t
— Indian Infra (@IndiaInfra02) April 9, 2025
While the new airport prepares to take flight, the existing infrastructure at CSMIA may soon undergo a facelift. The Adani Group, which manages CSMIA, is considering the demolition of Terminal 1, including its decades-old T1A, T1B, and T1C sections, to make way for future expansions. Currently, T1 accommodates around 15 million passengers annually. Once operations begin at Navi Mumbai International Airport, a more balanced distribution of flights is expected across the two airports, as reported by Knocksense.
What Passengers Can Expect At Navi Mumbai International Airport
D.B. Patil Navi Mumbai International Airport Arrival Plaza interior work update pic.twitter.com/r3ArkIWH4t
— Indian Infra (@IndiaInfra02) April 9, 2025
Set across 1,160 hectares and designed for phased expansion, Navi Mumbai International Airport is expected to eventually serve up to 90 million passengers per year. The facility will feature world-class infrastructure, faster check-in systems, and robust transport connectivity. This will offer a seamless travel experience for both domestic and international flyers.
For residents of Navi Mumbai and the eastern suburbs, the airport promises reduced travel times and improved flight access. It’s more than just an infrastructural upgrade – it’s a new chapter in Mumbai’s aviation journey.
Also Read: Mumbai Metro Gold Line: New ₹15,000-Crore Corridor Will Link Mumbai Airport To Navi Mumbai Airport
As the countdown to June 2025 begins, Navi Mumbai International Airport is clearly poised to become a game-changer in Indian air travel. Even if some familiar names like IndiGo are taking their time to make the move.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro