An IndiGo aircraft arriving from Bengaluru touched down at 8 am, receiving a traditional water cannon salute to mark the occasion. Shortly after, the airport's first outbound flight departed for Hyderabad. Airlines including IndiGo, Akasa Air, and Air India Express operated services to various locations across India.
Peak activity occurred in the evening hours, reflecting steady demand from passengers. Many travelers arrived via app-based cabs, while road infrastructure around the site continues to undergo improvements. Local bus services were available, though access points remain limited in the early phase.
The new airport provides an alternative for residents in Navi Mumbai, Thane, and surrounding suburbs, potentially reducing travel times to aviation hubs. Commuters from central Mumbai areas now face options between the two facilities, which could ease congestion on routes to the older airport. Businesses in the MMR stand to benefit from enhanced connectivity and future cargo operations.
Initial operations run during daytime hours, with plans to expand schedules progressively. The facility's first phase supports up to 20 million passengers annually.
