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Navi Mumbai International Airport is expected to begin international passenger and cargo operations from July 15, marking a significant step in the expansion of aviation infrastructure in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The airport operator said international freighter services will commence first, with plans to scale up to around 18 weekly cargo flights. International passenger services are also expected to start on the same day, with Air India Express and IndiGo set to operate flights. The airport, which began domestic operations last year, is witnessing steady traffic growth and has also earned global recognition for its design.
Navi Mumbai International Airport, owned by the Adani Group, is expected to commence international passenger and cargo operations from July 15, according to senior airport officials. The greenfield airport, which serves as the second major airport in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, is preparing to expand its operations after launching domestic flight services in December last year.
Speaking on the sidelines of a logistics industry event, NMIAL Chief Executive Officer BVJK Sharma said the airport plans to begin international freighter services from July 15 and expects cargo operations to gradually increase to nearly 18 weekly flights. He also indicated that international passenger services are expected to start on the same date, subject to the completion of final regulatory processes.
Sharma said there has been progress on the passenger operations front and that both Air India Express and IndiGo are expected to operate international flights from Navi Mumbai Airport. The addition of international services is expected to strengthen connectivity from the Mumbai region while easing pressure on Mumbai’s existing international gateway, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.
According to the airport operator, customs authorities have reviewed the airport’s readiness for international operations. A senior official from the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) recently assessed the facility, and the required notifications have already been issued. Sharma stated that the remaining formalities, including procedures related to cargo and courier operations under customs regulations, are currently being completed. A trade notice from customs is expected around July 5.
The airport has seen a steady rise in activity since the launch of commercial domestic operations. At present, it handles around 20,000 passengers daily and records approximately 150 flight arrivals and departures each day. Airport authorities expect passenger traffic to increase significantly over the coming months, with daily footfall projected to reach around 50,000 passengers by the end of the year. Air traffic movements are also expected to rise to about 380 arrivals and departures per day.
The development comes as Navi Mumbai International Airport continues to gain international attention. In the past week, the airport was named among the Prix Versailles World's Most Beautiful Airports 2026, joining a select list of global aviation hubs recognised for their architectural design and passenger experience. The list also included airports in Guangzhou, Frankfurt, Cambodia's Kandal Stueng, Pittsburgh and San Diego.
The Navi Mumbai airport project has long been viewed as a critical infrastructure addition for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, which has experienced sustained growth in passenger and cargo traffic over the past decade. Once fully operational, the airport is expected to play a key role in supporting the region’s aviation, logistics and economic growth requirements.
Source PTI
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