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By:

Bhalchandra Chorghade

11 August 2025 at 1:54:18 pm

NMIA set for commercial take-off on December 25

Long-term expansion plans take shape Mumbai: Even as long-term expansion plans gather momentum, Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is preparing to mark a defining milestone with the commencement of commercial operations from December 25, 2025. Sources familiar with the development confirmed that the first flight is scheduled to land at NMIA at around 8.30 am from Bengaluru, operated by IndiGo. The same aircraft will subsequently depart for Delhi, symbolically placing the greenfield...

NMIA set for commercial take-off on December 25

Long-term expansion plans take shape Mumbai: Even as long-term expansion plans gather momentum, Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is preparing to mark a defining milestone with the commencement of commercial operations from December 25, 2025. Sources familiar with the development confirmed that the first flight is scheduled to land at NMIA at around 8.30 am from Bengaluru, operated by IndiGo. The same aircraft will subsequently depart for Delhi, symbolically placing the greenfield airport on India’s aviation map and formally integrating it into the country’s busiest air corridors. This operational launch comes at a time when the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO), the project’s nodal planning authority, has initiated the process to appoint a consultant for conducting a geotechnical feasibility study for a proposed third runway at NMIA. The parallel movement of near-term operational readiness and long-term capacity planning underlines the strategic importance of the airport, not just as a secondary facility to Mumbai, but as a future aviation hub in its own right. The December 25 launch date carries significance beyond symbolism. NMIA has been envisioned for over two decades as a critical solution to the capacity constraints at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), which operates close to saturation. With limited scope for further expansion at Mumbai’s existing airport, NMIA’s entry into operations is expected to ease congestion, rationalise flight schedules and improve overall passenger experience across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Modest Operations Initial operations are expected to be modest, focusing on select domestic routes, with Bengaluru and Delhi being logical starting points given their high passenger volumes and strong business connectivity with Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. Aviation experts note that starting with trunk routes allows operators and airport systems to stabilise operations, fine-tune processes and gradually scale up capacity. IndiGo’s choice as the first operator also reflects the airline’s dominant market share and its strategy of early-mover advantage at new airports. While NMIA’s first phase includes two runways, the initiation of a geotechnical feasibility study for a third runway highlights planners’ expectations of robust long-term demand. CIDCO’s move to appoint a consultant at this early stage suggests that authorities are keen to future-proof the airport, learning from the capacity limitations faced by CSMIA. A third runway, if found technically and environmentally feasible, would significantly enhance NMIA’s ability to handle peak-hour traffic, support parallel operations and attract international long-haul flights over time. The feasibility study will play a critical role in determining soil conditions, land stability, construction challenges and environmental sensitivities, particularly given Navi Mumbai’s complex terrain and proximity to mangroves and water bodies. Experts point out that such studies are essential to avoid cost overruns and execution delays, which have historically plagued large infrastructure projects in the region. From an economic perspective, the operationalisation of NMIA is expected to act as a catalyst for growth across Navi Mumbai and adjoining regions. Improved air connectivity is likely to boost commercial real estate, logistics parks, hospitality and tourism, while also strengthening the case for ancillary infrastructure such as metro lines, road corridors and airport-linked business districts. The timing of the airport’s opening also aligns with broader infrastructure upgrades underway in the MMR, including new highways and rail connectivity, which could amplify NMIA’s impact. However, challenges remain. Smooth coordination between airlines, ground handling agencies, security forces and air traffic control will be critical during the initial phase. Any operational hiccups could affect public perception of the new airport, making the first few weeks crucial. Additionally, the transition of flights from CSMIA to NMIA will need careful calibration to ensure passenger convenience and airline viability. As NMIA prepares to welcome its first aircraft on December 25, the simultaneous push towards planning a third runway signals a clear message: the airport is not just opening for today’s needs, but is being positioned to serve the region’s aviation demands for decades to come.

Authenticity Fuels Personal Branding

Updated: Nov 25, 2024

Authenticity

In a world saturated with polished pitches and perfectly curated social media feeds, authenticity stands out as a rare and invaluable trait. For business owners, it’s not just a niceto-have quality—it’s the cornerstone of a strong personal brand. Authenticity isn’t about perfection; it’s about showing up as your true self, consistently and confidently, both online and offline. It’s what turns fleeting impressions into lasting trust and casual connections into meaningful relationships.


Many business owners fall into the trap of thinking personal branding is about projecting an image that aligns with what they believe their audience wants to see. But the truth is, people crave realness. They want to connect with leaders who are honest, relatable, and unapologetically themselves. Authenticity doesn’t mean baring your soul to the world or sharing every detail of your life. It means aligning your actions, values, and words in a way that creates a cohesive and genuine representation of who you are.


Take, for example, a small business owner who runs a café. Instead of showcasing only glossy images of perfect lattes, they share their story—how they struggled to start the business, the lessons they learned, and the values that guide them. They interact warmly with customers, remember regulars by name, and celebrate their team’s contributions publicly. Over time, their authenticity earns them a loyal following, not just for their coffee but for the trust and connection they inspire.


Online, authenticity means more than just posting polished achievements or motivational quotes. It’s about sharing your journey, including the setbacks and lessons that shaped you. A business owner who opens up about the challenges behind their successes fosters a deeper connection with their audience. Vulnerability, when shared thoughtfully, creates relatability and inspires trust. People don’t just follow brands; they follow stories. And the most compelling stories are the ones rooted in truth.


Offline, authenticity takes on an even more powerful role. It’s easy to craft a certain image behind a screen, but how you show up in person solidifies or contradicts what people perceive online. Whether you’re at a networking event, leading a team meeting, or negotiating a deal, staying true to your values and being genuine in your interactions leave a lasting impression. It’s the small things—how you listen attentively, keep your promises, or acknowledge others’ contributions—that build your reputation as someone worth trusting.


When authenticity becomes the foundation of your personal brand, it creates opportunities for growth in ways that marketing tactics alone cannot. Trust is the currency of modern business, and authenticity is how you earn it. Clients are drawn to business owners who exude sincerity and integrity, knowing they can depend on them. Employees are inspired by leaders who remain grounded and transparent, creating an environment of respect and loyalty. Partners value collaboration with those who prioritize honesty over appearances.


Beyond professional success, authenticity gives business owners a sense of alignment and purpose. It forces you to reflect on who you are, what you stand for, and what kind of legacy you want to leave behind. Personal branding isn’t just about gaining visibility or standing out in a crowded market; it’s about being remembered for the right reasons. It’s about creating a story that people want to be a part of, one that resonates deeply and leaves a lasting impact.


As you embrace authenticity, you’ll find that your personal brand grows not just in recognition but in value. You won’t just be seen—you’ll be trusted, respected, and remembered. And in the end, isn’t that what every business owner truly wants?


Are you wanting to build an authentic personal brand but don’t know how to start? You may feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/divyaaadvaani


(The author is a personal branding expert. She has clients from 14+ countries. Views personal.)

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