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By:

Bhalchandra Chorghade

11 August 2025 at 1:54:18 pm

International flights from July 1

Mumbai: Mumbai’s rapidly expanding second aviation hub may be preparing for its biggest operational leap yet. International flight operations from Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) are tentatively expected to commence from July 1, according to sources familiar with the development, although details regarding participating airlines, destinations, and flight frequencies are still being finalized. If the timeline materializes, the move would mark a significant milestone for the greenfield...

International flights from July 1

Mumbai: Mumbai’s rapidly expanding second aviation hub may be preparing for its biggest operational leap yet. International flight operations from Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) are tentatively expected to commence from July 1, according to sources familiar with the development, although details regarding participating airlines, destinations, and flight frequencies are still being finalized. If the timeline materializes, the move would mark a significant milestone for the greenfield airport, which has already witnessed sharp growth in domestic passenger traffic within months of beginning operations on December 25, 2025. Aviation industry observers believe the introduction of international services could substantially accelerate traffic redistribution across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region while easing pressure on the heavily congested Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA). Sources indicated that discussions are underway with multiple carriers regarding slot allocation and operational readiness. However, officials maintained that the July 1 date remains tentative and subject to regulatory clearances, airline preparedness, and completion of final operational protocols linked to immigration, customs, and international passenger handling systems. The expected rollout comes at a time when NMIA is already demonstrating strong operational momentum. Airport officials said the facility is currently handling more than 148 air traffic movements (ATMs) daily, translating into approximately 20,500 passengers every day. Around 10,500 of these passengers are outbound travelers, reflecting growing demand from flyers increasingly shifting to the new airport. Officials noted that the airport’s traffic growth has been accompanied by relatively stable operational performance. According to airport authorities, on-time arrivals currently stand at 96.4%, while on-time departures are recorded at 86.7%. Industry experts say such figures are considered robust for an airport still in its initial expansion phase. The proposed international launch is also expected to strengthen NMIA’s role in Mumbai’s broader aviation ecosystem. Industry stakeholders believe airlines may initially deploy short-haul Gulf and Southeast Asian routes from the airport before gradually expanding to longer international sectors depending on passenger response and bilateral slot availability. Officials have previously projected that NMIA could eventually handle nearly 50,000 passengers daily, more than double its current throughput. Analysts say the commencement of international operations could significantly accelerate that target. Experts believe international connectivity could now become the airport’s defining next phase. “Domestic operations established the airport operationally, but international flights will determine how quickly NMIA evolves into a true global gateway,” an aviation consultant said. Passengers, meanwhile, are expected to benefit from reduced congestion, shorter turnaround times, and modern terminal infrastructure. With CSMIA operating under significant slot constraints, NMIA’s emergence is increasingly being viewed as essential to sustaining Mumbai’s long-term aviation growth.

Closed OT, Negligence, Biased Inquiry

How my family was pushed into mental and financial trauma

During my wife Vrushali’s pregnancy, I witnessed the apathy of the government hospital in Ulhasnagar. The hospital had two operation theatres, yet both were reportedly kept closed simultaneously. The modular operation theatre remained shut from August 21, 2024 to February 20, 2026 while the second operation theatre was also closed for renovation work for several months. I could not understand how a government maternity hospital could allow both operation theatres to remain non-functional at the same time, especially when pregnant women’s lives depend on emergency medical care.

 

On February 12, my wife suddenly developed pregnancy-related complications, and I admitted her to the Government Maternity Hospital and Dispensary at Ulhasnagar-4. At that moment, all we wanted was proper treatment and safety for my wife and unborn child. While treatment was underway, I was informed that the heartbeat of our unborn baby had suddenly increased to nearly 200. The situation became extremely critical. Around 1:50 am, doctors told us that my wife was being referred to Thane as a “higher centre.”

 

At that moment, I was shocked and confused. Ulhasnagar Central Hospital was barely around 2.5 kilometres away, yet no proper coordination or emergency arrangement was made there. I tried contacting Medical Superintendent Dr. Shashikant Dode for urgent help and guidance. Around 2 am, I made nearly 20 phone calls, but there was allegedly no response.

 

Meanwhile, my wife was terrified. During her pregnancy, she had already experienced the difficulties caused by the closure of operation theatres, rude behaviour from nursing staff, negligence by doctors, and lack of facilities at the government hospital. Because of those experiences, she had developed deep fear and anxiety about being treated there again.

 

She emotionally pleaded with us, saying “Please admit me to a private hospital. Do not take me back to a government hospital. My life and the life of my unborn child may be at risk, and because of negligence by doctors in the government hospital, both of us could lose our lives.” As a husband, hearing those words was heartbreaking. Looking at her mental condition and the situation around us, my family and I finally decided to shift her to a private hospital in Kalyan. At around 3:10 am on February 13, we admitted her there.

 

Stable Condition

After examination, doctors at the private hospital reportedly told us that my wife was stable. She received proper treatment, her condition improved, and she was discharged on February 14.

 

That raised a major question in my mind: if my wife was stable, why was such an urgent midnight referral made? Why was our family pushed into panic, trauma, and financial burden? I strongly felt that patients were being referred elsewhere merely to avoid responsibility.

 

After this incident, I decided not to remain silent. On February 15, I submitted written complaints to the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, Health Minister, Health Secretary, Health Commissioner, District Collector, Deputy Director of Health Services, and other senior authorities. An inquiry committee was formed on February 18, but during the inquiry process itself, I noticed several disturbing issues. People unrelated to the investigation were allegedly allowed to remain present during proceedings. This created serious doubts in my mind about the transparency and fairness of the inquiry.

 

Later, on April 10, 2026, when I received the inquiry report, I was shocked to see that statements of several nurses were allegedly word-for-word identical. It appeared to me that the process had been conducted in a pre-planned manner. I also felt that since inquiry committee members and concerned officials had been working in the same district for years, the report was biased and aimed at protecting responsible doctors and nursing staff.

 

Fresh Inquiry

Because of these concerns, I raised formal objections against the first inquiry report on April 22. After that, a fresh two-member inquiry committee was constituted. However, during the inquiry conducted on May 12, one of the committee members, said to me “settle the matter and close the case.”


Hearing this from a member of the inquiry committee itself deeply disturbed me. I immediately questioned how a fair and impartial investigation could be expected if committee members themselves were allegedly suggesting compromise instead of focusing on truth and accountability.


To ensure transparency, I requested that the inquiry proceedings be conducted before CCTV cameras so that no false allegations or manipulation could happen later. However, the concerned members clearly stated that the inquiry would not be conducted “on camera.” This further strengthened my suspicion that attempts were being made to protect the accused officials.


This fight is not only about my wife and unborn child. This fight is about every pregnant woman and every family that depends on the government healthcare system in times of emergency.

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