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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.

Personal Branding for Business Growth

Updated: Nov 18, 2024

Personal Branding

In today’s world, where first impressions and lasting impact often live online, personal branding has become more than a buzzword—it’s a necessity. For business owners, personal branding is not just about showcasing achievements; it’s about creating an authentic reputation that attracts clients, partners, and employees to your vision. Think of it as your silent ambassador, shaping perceptions and building trust long before you say a word. When done well, personal branding becomes the edge that sets you apart, making clients remember you and trust your business in ways pure advertising cannot.


Consider Steve Jobs. Known for his visionary thinking and polished presentations, Jobs’ brand went beyond Apple’s products; it communicated innovation, simplicity, and boldness. People didn’t just buy Apple products—they bought into a promise of quality and unique design. Similarly, a wellcrafted personal brand can become a beacon for your business values, attracting people who resonate with your mission and enhancing your overall impact.


To build a powerful brand, business owners must cultivate certain key skills. Communication is crucial. A personal brand thrives on clear, compelling messages, whether through public speaking, writing, or daily interactions. Storytelling, in particular, is invaluable here. Stories make your brand memorable, allowing you to share the journey, challenges, and insights that give your vision depth and relatability.


Next, authenticity is essential. Authenticity isn’t something you can fake; it’s the willingness to be genuine and show your true self. Today’s consumers value honesty and quickly recognize when something doesn’t feel real. Business owners with strong personal brands embrace their unique qualities and aren’t afraid to show a bit of vulnerability. This openness fosters trust, the foundation of any lasting business relationship. People are far more likely to support a business led by someone who feels human and relatable.


Emotional intelligence also plays a critical role. Knowing how to understand others’ emotions and needs allows you to connect on a deeper level. Business isn’t just about products; it’s about relationships. High emotional intelligence helps you navigate these relationships with empathy, turning each interaction into an opportunity for connection and loyalty.


Finally, consistency is the glue that holds your brand together. Every interaction, online or in person, needs to reflect the same core values. Consistency in tone, behavior, and values builds credibility, making people confident in who you are and what your business represents.


The journey of personal branding doesn’t end here. Each interaction, decision, and shared story refines your brand’s promise. Personal branding isn’t a one-time effort; it’s a commitment to showing up as your best self, continuously and genuinely.


Personal branding is a journey of alignment—between what you believe, what you deliver, and how you’re perceived. The more you invest in developing these qualities, the more your brand works for you, building relationships that resonate beyond a product or a service. The real power of personal branding lies in its ability to transcend fleeting impressions, creating a lasting legacy based on trust, value, and authenticity.


By mastering this balance, you’re not only creating a powerful professional image but also crafting a reputation that endures and evolves. After all, in today’s world, the most successful leaders aren’t just recognized—they’re remembered for all the right reasons. And when people remember you, they remember the value you bring, making you an irreplaceable part of their journey as well.


Are you looking to build your personal brand? Do you want to create a lasting impression and build a legacy? Your search ends here! You may feel free to reach out to me through my website https://www.divyaadvanistore.com


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

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