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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.

US Vice President JD Vance, his family arrive in Delhi

  • PTI
  • Apr 21, 2025
  • 2 min read


NEW DELHI: US Vice President J D Vance arrived here on Monday on a four-day visit to India against the backdrop of ongoing negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement between the two strategic partners to address a variety of issues, including tariff and market access.


Vance is accompanied by his Indian-origin wife Usha Chilukuri and their three children Ewan, Vivek, Mirabel and a delegation of senior US government officials.


The US Vice President and the Second Lady were received at the Palam air base by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.


The American leader was also accorded a ceremonial welcome on his arrival.

In the evening, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host a dinner for the Vances after holding wide-ranging talks with the US Vice President.


External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, NSA Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Indian ambassador to US Vinay Mohan Kwatra are expected to be part of the Indian team to be led by PM Modi at the talks.


The focus of the meeting is likely to be on early finalisation of the proposed bilateral trade pact as well as ways to boost overall trajectory of ties between the two countries.


Besides Delhi, Vance and his family will travel to Jaipur and Agra.

Vance's first visit to India comes weeks after US President Donald Trump imposed and then paused a sweeping tariff regime against around 60 countries, including India.


New Delhi and Washington are now holding negotiations to seal a bilateral trade agreement that is expected to address a variety of issues, including tariff and market access.


Vance and his family are scheduled to leave for Jaipur on Monday night.

In Delhi, the US Vice President and his family are staying at the ITC Maurya Sheraton hotel.


On April 22, the Vances will visit a number of historical sites in Jaipur, including the Amer Fort, also known as Amber Fort. The fort is a UNESCO world heritage site.


In the afternoon, the US Vice President is scheduled to address a gathering at the Rajasthan International Centre in Jaipur.


Vance is expected to delved into broader aspects of India-US relations under the Donald Trump administration during his speech that is expected to be attended by diplomats, foreign policy experts, Indian government officials and academia.


The US Vice President and his family will travel to Agra on the morning of April 23, people familiar with the matter said.


In Agra, they will visit the Taj Mahal and Shilpgram which is an open air emporium showcasing various Indian artefacts, they said.


After concluding their visit to Agra, the Vances will return to Jaipur on the second half of April 23.


The US Vice President and his family will depart for the US from Jaipur on April 24, according to the people cited above.

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