Centre notifies Navi Mumbai Airport as port for import of drugs
The amendment to Rule 43A of the Drugs Rules, 1945 now includes Navi Mumbai in the list of airports through which drugs can be imported into the country.
India’s second airport for Mumbai started commercial flights on Thursday, with the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) opening operations on Christmas Day. The new airport is expected to reduce pressure on Mumbai’s existing airport, which has been handling more passengers than it was built for.
Flights began with IndiGo, Air India Express, Akasa Air, and Star Air connecting Navi Mumbai to several Indian cities. For now, the airport will function for 12 hours a day. Authorities plan to increase operations in phases and move to 24-hour services from February 2026.
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Also Read: From first flight to drone show: How Navi Mumbai International Airport marked its big debut
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Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA): FAQs
When did Navi Mumbai International Airport open?
The airport opened for commercial flights on December 25, 2025.
Who inaugurated Navi Mumbai International Airport?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the airport on October 8, 2025.
What was the first flight at Navi Mumbai International Airport?
The first flight to land was an IndiGo flight from Bengaluru. It arrived around 8 am.
Which was the first departure from Navi Mumbai airport?
The first flight to depart was an IndiGo service to Hyderabad at 8:40 am.
Which airlines are flying from Navi Mumbai airport?
Flights are currently operated by:
- IndiGo
- Air India Express
- Akasa Air
- Star Air
Which cities are connected from Navi Mumbai airport?
Flights connect Navi Mumbai to cities such as Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, Goa, Kochi and Ahmedabad. In total, the airport serves between nine and 16 domestic destinations.
What is the flight schedule at Navi Mumbai International Airport?
At present, the airport operates from 8 am to 8 pm. It handles around 15 to 23 departures daily and can manage up to 10 aircraft movements in an hour.
Will Navi Mumbai airport operate 24×7?
Yes. Authorities plan to shift to round-the-clock operations from February 2026. Once that happens, daily departures are expected to increase to around 34 flights.
Where is Navi Mumbai International Airport located?
The airport is located in Panvel Taluka of Raigad district in Maharashtra. It is about 40 km from South Mumbai and around 35 km from Mumbai’s existing airport, near Amra Marg and National Highway 48.
How far is Navi Mumbai airport from Mumbai airport?
NMIA is roughly 35 km away from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.
How many passengers can Navi Mumbai airport handle?
Terminal 1 can handle about 20 million passengers a year. Once all phases are completed, the airport’s total capacity is expected to reach 90 million passengers annually.
How many phases is the Navi Mumbai airport being built in?
The project is being developed in five phases. Terminal 1 has been completed in the first two phases. Terminals 2, 3 and 4 will be built later.
Who owns and operates Navi Mumbai International Airport?
The airport is being developed under a public-private partnership. The airport is being developed through a public-private partnership. The Adani Group owns 74 per cent, while CIDCO owns 26 per cent.
Why is Navi Mumbai airport important?
The airport will help reduce crowding at Mumbai’s existing airport and improve air travel in the region.
Will more flights be added later?
Yes. More flights and routes are expected as operations expand.
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