In a major step forward for India’s aviation sector, IndiGo and Adani Airport Holdings Ltd. (AAHL) have announced a landmark partnership that will see IndiGo become the first airline to commence commercial flight operations from the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA). This strategic move is expected to significantly contribute to India’s positioning as a global aviation powerhouse and play a crucial role in its aspiration to become the world’s third-largest aviation economy by 2030.
Starting from day one of NMIA’s commercial operations, IndiGo will operate 18 daily departures (equating to 36 Air Traffic Movements or ATMs) to over 15 cities. This makes IndiGo the first airline to commit to operations at NMIA from the very start. The scale of operations will increase rapidly, with the airline planning to operate 79 daily departures (158 ATMs) by November 2025, including 14 international routes.
The expansion doesn’t stop there. By March 2026, IndiGo’s operations from NMIA are expected to surpass 100 daily departures (200 ATMs), and by November 2026, the airline will further expand its operations to 140 daily departures (280 ATMs), including 30 international flights.
Pieter Elbers, Chief Executive Officer of IndiGo, expressed enthusiasm about this development, stating, “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.”
Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Arun Bansal, CEO of AAHL, emphasized the strategic significance of this partnership: “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.”
NMIA is envisioned to become India’s premier international aviation hub, equipped with world-class passenger experience facilities and advanced infrastructure. With its prime location and superior connectivity, NMIA is poised to play a key role in realizing India’s ambitions in the global aviation arena. In its initial phase, the airport is expected to handle 20 million passengers annually and up to 90 million in the future. It is also designed to manage 3.2 million metric tons of cargo per year.
This partnership not only marks a new chapter in India’s aviation journey but also showcases the power of collaboration in building a future-ready aviation ecosystem
Disclaimer:The information in this blog post is based on the official press release issued on May 28, 2025, by IndiGo and Adani Airport Holdings Ltd. Future operational timelines and schedules are subject to change based on regulatory approvals and operational readiness. Readers are advised to check with official airline and airport sources for the latest updates.
