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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.

Highly qualified aspirants waiting for debut

Anushaktinagar

Yajnavalkya Jichkar Dr. Babasaheb Deshmukh


Mumbai: The upcoming Assembly elections are likely to witness fiery battles between several aspirants who are aiming at plunging into active politics in Maharashtra for the first time. The list of debut candidates in fray is long, but what is more interesting is that most of them are highly qualified and many of them have strong political backgrounds.


One can’t resist from looking at battleground Anushaktinagar which is a part of the Mumbai South Central constituency along with five other Vidhan Sabha segments. The constituency will see a mega fight between two new faces - Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar)’s Fahad Ahmed and Nawab Malik’s daughter Sana Malik from Ajit Pawar-led NCP. Both Sana and Fahad are highly qualified individuals. While Sana Malik has an LLB degree from Mumbai University, she also is an architect. Fahad Ahmed who is the husband of actress Swara Bhaskar is a PhD from TISS and he had led the anti-CAA agitation in TISS when he was there.


Another highly educated name that deserves attention is that of Late Ganpatrao Deshmukh’s grandson Dr. Babasaheb Deshmukh who will contest elections from Sangola on the ticket of Peasants and Workers Party. Deshmukh is MD, General Medicine from DY Patil Medical College of Kolhapur.


Yajnavalkya Jichkar, son of Former MLA Shrikant Jichkar who will fight the elections independently from Katol seat has a quite relevant educational background. He has a MA in Public Administration from IGNOU. Both are aiming to achieve a political debut through Assembly polls.


In Mahim, which is one of the most crucial seats, MNS supremo Raj Thackeray’s son Amit Thackeray holds a Masters’ degree in management Studies from Welingkar College of Mumbai. There are a few more fresh faces who flaunt international educational qualifications. For example, Amar Patil of Shiv Sena (UBT) who will fight it out from Solapur south holds a PHD in Business Economics from UK board. He is the son of former MLA Ratikant Patil. Varun Sardesai of the Shiv Sena UBT holds an MS degree in construction engineering and management from Columbia University of USA. He is Uddhav Thackeray’s nephew.


The list of fresh faces is long, and other candidates, if not highly qualified, at least have basic graduate degrees from reputed institutions across India. Almost all of them are jumping into the battleground with a strong political dynasty behind. With support comes additional pressure to maintain the position and successfully take the legacy forward.

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