Navi Mumbai Airport Opens Today: Complete Guide for Pune Travelers
India's newest international airport begins operations December 25, 2025. Here's everything Pune residents need to know about NMIA - from airlines and routes to cab booking and why it's your new go-to airport.
Quick Summary
- Opening Date: December 25, 2025 (TODAY)
- Airlines: IndiGo, Akasa Air, Air India Express, Star Air
- Distance from Pune: 110 km (40 km closer than Mumbai Airport)
- Cab Fare: ₹2,300 all-inclusive to anywhere in Pune
- Operating Hours: 8 AM - 8 PM (24/7 from Feb 2026)
Historic Opening Day - December 25, 2025
After years of anticipation, Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) officially began commercial operations on December 25, 2025, marking a watershed moment for aviation in western India. The first commercial flight - IndiGo 6E460 from Bengaluru - touched down at 08:00 hours IST and was greeted with a ceremonial water cannon salute, signaling the start of a new era for travelers.
First Day Highlights
First Arrival
- • Flight: IndiGo 6E460
- • Route: Bengaluru → Navi Mumbai
- • Landing Time: 08:00 AM
- • Reception: Water cannon salute
Opening Day Stats
- • Total Daily Flights: 15
- • Airlines: 4 carriers
- • Destinations: 5+ cities
- • Operating Hours: 8 AM - 8 PM
Mumbai becomes the first Indian city to operate two commercial airports simultaneously. While Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) continues to serve as a major hub, NMIA is positioned to ease congestion and provide a modern alternative, particularly for passengers from Pune, Navi Mumbai, and surrounding regions.
Airlines & Flight Network
Four major carriers have launched operations from NMIA on opening day, with more airlines expected to join in the coming months. Here's the complete breakdown:
IndiGo (6E)
India's largest airline leads NMIA operations with maximum frequencies
Destinations:
- • Bengaluru (BLR)
- • Delhi (DEL)
- • Hyderabad (HYD)
- • Kochi (COK)
- • Ahmedabad (AMD)
Akasa Air (QP)
India's newest airline brings modern fleet to NMIA
Destinations:
- • Bengaluru (BLR)
- • Hyderabad (HYD)
- • Additional routes coming soon
Air India Express (IX)
Low-cost arm of Air India serving NMIA
Network:
- • South India connections
- • Value-focused fares
- • Expanding network
Star Air (S5)
Regional connectivity specialist
Focus:
- • Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities
- • Regional routes
- • Connecting smaller destinations
Expansion Plans: From February 2026, NMIA will operate 24/7 with 34 daily departures. Annual capacity will grow from 20 million passengers to 90 million by 2029, making it one of India's largest airports.
Why NMIA is a Game-Changer for Pune Travelers
For decades, Pune residents have relied on two airports: Pune Airport (PNQ) for limited domestic flights and Mumbai Airport (BOM) for broader domestic and international connectivity. NMIA fundamentally changes this equation.
Distance Advantage
| Airport | Distance from Pune | Travel Time | Route Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Navi Mumbai (NMIA) ✅ | 110 km | 2-2.5 hours | 95% Expressway |
| Mumbai (BOM) | 150 km | 2.5-3 hours | 85% Expressway + city traffic |
| Pune (PNQ) | 10-15 km | 30-45 min | City roads |
Key Takeaway: NMIA is 40 km (25%) closer to Pune than Mumbai Airport. This translates to 30-40 minutes time saving on every trip - significant for frequent travelers.
Locality-Specific Benefits
Different Pune localities benefit differently from NMIA's location. Here's how proximity varies:
Closest Areas (100-110 km)
- Hinjewadi: 100 km - Closest major IT hub to NMIA
- Wakad: 105 km - IT & residential convenience
- Pimple Saudagar: 110 km - PCMC connectivity
Well-Connected Areas (115-130 km)
- Baner: 115 km - Young professional hub
- Viman Nagar: 125 km - Airport vicinity
- Kharadi/Magarpatta: 130 km - Eastern IT corridor
How to Book Cab from NMIA to Pune
Getting from Navi Mumbai Airport to Pune is straightforward with multiple cab options. Here's your complete booking guide:
GreenEVCabs - Premium Electric Cab Service
₹2,300 All-Inclusive
NMIA to anywhere in Pune • No hidden charges • Same as Mumbai Airport rate
What's Included:
- Base fare for 110 km distance
- Expressway tolls (₹430)
- Driver allowance (₹500)
- Airport parking (₹70) & GST
Premium Features:
- Luxury 7-seater electric SUV
- Real-time flight tracking
- 30 minutes free waiting
- Zero surge pricing 24/7
Other Cab Options
Ola/Uber (Via App)
Estimated Fare: ₹3,500 - ₹2,900 (surge pricing applies)
Available at NMIA taxi stand. Note: Surge pricing during peak hours, limited electric vehicle options.
Airport Taxi Stand
Estimated Fare: ₹4,000 - ₹4,500 (negotiable)
Pre-paid taxi booth available at arrivals. Fixed rates, but higher than pre-booked cabs. No flight tracking.
NMIA Terminal Guide for First-Time Travelers
As India's newest airport, NMIA features modern facilities designed for efficiency and passenger comfort. Here's what to expect:
Terminal Layout
Departures (Upper Level)
- • Check-in counters: Modern kiosks + staffed desks
- • Security: Latest screening technology
- • Boarding gates: Spacious, less crowded
- • Lounges: Premium & economy options
- • Shopping & dining: Multiple outlets
Arrivals (Ground Level)
- • Baggage claim: Quick belt delivery
- • Customs: Efficient processing
- • Cab pickup point: Well-marked, covered
- • Pre-paid taxi booth: Available 8 AM-8 PM
- • Waiting area: Comfortable seating
Facilities
- Free Wi-Fi: High-speed internet throughout terminal
- Dining Options: Quick service restaurants, cafes, food courts
- Shopping: Duty-free (for international flights), retail stores, bookshops
- Banking: ATMs, currency exchange, banking services
- Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly, special assistance available
Practical Tips for Pune Travelers
Tip #1: Book Cab in Advance
Pre-book your NMIA to Pune cab at least 6 hours before flight arrival. Ensures driver is ready when you land, no surge pricing, and flight tracking activated for automatic delay adjustments.
Tip #2: Choose Morning or Late Night Flights
For fastest travel to Pune, book flights landing 6-8 AM or after 8 PM. Expressway traffic is lightest during these hours. Journey time: 2 hours vs 2.5 hours during day.
Tip #3: Consider Locality Distance
If you live in Hinjewadi, Wakad, or western Pune, NMIA is significantly closer. If in Kharadi or Hadapsar, the advantage is smaller but still 20-30 km saved vs Mumbai Airport.
Tip #4: Check Flight Availability
NMIA currently has 15 daily flights to 5+ cities. If your destination isn't available, check connecting flights via Bengaluru or Delhi. Network will expand to 34 flights from February 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Navi Mumbai Airport open?
Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) began commercial operations on December 25, 2025. The first flight was IndiGo 6E460 from Bengaluru, which landed at 8:00 AM and received a water cannon salute.
Which airlines fly from Navi Mumbai Airport?
Currently IndiGo (6E), Akasa Air (QP), Air India Express (IX), and Star Air (S5) operate from NMIA. Routes include Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kochi, Ahmedabad and more cities. 15 daily flights initially, expanding to 34 daily flights from February 2026.
How far is Navi Mumbai Airport from Pune?
Navi Mumbai Airport is 110 km from Pune via Mumbai-Pune Expressway. It's 40 km closer than Mumbai Airport (150 km). Travel time: 2 to 2.5 hours by cab. Saves 30-40 minutes compared to Mumbai Airport route.
How much does cab cost from Navi Mumbai Airport to Pune?
Electric cab from Navi Mumbai Airport to Pune costs ₹2,300 all-inclusive (same as Mumbai Airport fare). Includes 110 km distance, expressway tolls (₹430), driver allowance (₹500), parking (₹70), and GST. Book via GreenEVCabs at +91 74982 64215.
What are NMIA operating hours?
Navi Mumbai Airport currently operates 8 AM to 8 PM daily (12 hours). Round-the-clock 24/7 operations will begin from February 2026. Initial capacity: 20 million passengers annually, expanding to 90 million by 2029.
Should I choose NMIA or Mumbai Airport for Pune travel?
For most Pune travelers, NMIA is the better choice due to proximity (40 km closer, 30-40 min time saving). However, Mumbai Airport has more flights and destinations currently. Consider: If your route is available at NMIA → choose NMIA. If not → stick with Mumbai Airport until NMIA network expands.
The Future of NMIA
While today marks the beginning, NMIA's growth trajectory is ambitious:
Final Thoughts
The opening of Navi Mumbai International Airport is a historic moment for Pune travelers. After years of choosing between limited Pune Airport flights or the longer journey to Mumbai Airport, we now have a third option that combines proximity with growing connectivity.
For Pune's IT professionals, students, and business travelers - particularly those in Hinjewadi, Wakad, Baner, and western Pune - NMIA represents a significant quality-of-life improvement. The 40 km distance advantage translates to real time savings on every trip, less travel fatigue, and more flexibility in travel planning.
Last Updated: December 25, 2025 - Opening Day
Information based on official NMIA announcements and airline schedules. Flight frequencies and destinations subject to change as airport operations expand.