Navi Mumbai International Airport passes passenger trial, set to launch flights from Dec 25

Navi Mumbai International Airport

The Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) has inched closer to commercial operations after successfully completing its first large-scale passenger simulation exercise on November 29 and 30.

The trial, a critical part of the airport’s Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) process, tested real-time passenger movement and terminal preparedness ahead of the planned launch of regular flights from December 25.

Hundreds of volunteers participated in the exercise as mock passengers, allowing airport and airline staff to run through every stage of a typical journey. From check-in counters and security screening to boarding gates, arrivals and baggage claim, each step was closely monitored for efficiency and coordination.

Several airlines, including IndiGo, Akasa Air and Air India Express, took part in the simulation to familiarise their teams with the new facility’s layout and operating procedures.

The airport, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 8, is being built at an estimated cost of Rs 19,650 crore. Once fully operational, NMIA is expected to be one of India’s largest greenfield airports and significantly ease passenger load on Mumbai’s crowded Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA).

In a statement shared on X, NMIA said, “As we prepare to begin flights from December 25, we look forward to welcoming you all soon! Our ORAT team has successfully completed the first passenger trial with hundreds of simulated passengers. Every step from check-in and security to boarding and baggage reclaim was flawlessly tested. Heartfelt thanks to our ‘first passengers’, CISF, L&T, airline partners and the entire NMIAL team."

IndiGo announces new routes from NMIA

Meanwhile, IndiGo on Saturday announced the launch of new services from NMIA. The airline will introduce daily flights to Coimbatore and Chennai starting December 29. In addition, five weekly services to Vadodara will commence from December 30.

IndiGo also plans to step up connectivity to North Goa, increasing the number of flights to five per week beginning December 26. Passengers can book tickets through the airline’s official website and mobile application.