Navi Mumbai Airport vs Mumbai Airport: Complete Comparison for Pune Travelers
Updated Dec 26, 2025 | 8 min read
With Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) now operational from December 25, 2025, Pune travelers have a crucial decision: which Mumbai airport to fly from? This comprehensive comparison covers every factor to help you decide.
Quick Comparison Table
| Factor | Navi Mumbai Airport | Mumbai Airport |
|---|---|---|
| Distance from Pune | 110 km | 150 km |
| Travel Time | 2-2.5 hours | 2.5-3.5 hours |
| Cab Fare | ₹2,300 | ₹2,300 |
| Route Quality | 95% expressway | 70% expressway |
| Traffic | Minimal | Mumbai city traffic |
| Airlines (as of Dec 2025) | IndiGo, Akasa Air, Air India Express, Star Air | All major airlines |
| Operational Hours | 8 AM - 8 PM (24/7 from Feb 2026) | 24/7 |
| Airport Condition | Brand new (opened Dec 2025) | Established, crowded |
1. Distance & Travel Time: Clear Winner = NMIA
Navi Mumbai Airport (NMIA):
- Distance: 110 km from Pune
- Travel Time: 2 to 2.5 hours
- Route: Direct expressway access from Panvel
- Traffic: Minimal city traffic, smooth highway throughout
Mumbai Airport (BOM):
- Distance: 150 km from Pune
- Travel Time: 2.5 to 3.5 hours
- Route: Expressway + Mumbai city roads
- Traffic: Heavy Mumbai traffic near airport, unpredictable delays
Verdict: NMIA saves you 40 km distance and 30-60 minutes travel time. For early morning flights, this difference is crucial.
2. Cost Comparison
GreenEVCabs Pricing
₹2,300
Navi Mumbai Airport to Pune
110 km journey
₹2,300
Mumbai Airport to Pune
150 km journey
Same price, but NMIA offers better value: shorter journey, faster arrival
3. Flight Connectivity (Dec 2025)
Navi Mumbai Airport:
- Airlines: IndiGo, Akasa Air, Air India Express, Star Air
- Destinations: Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kochi, Ahmedabad, Goa, and expanding
- Daily Flights: ~15 flights (rapidly expanding)
- Operations: 8 AM to 8 PM (24/7 from February 2026)
Mumbai Airport:
- Airlines: All major Indian and international carriers
- Destinations: 100+ domestic and international destinations
- Daily Flights: 900+ flights
- Operations: 24/7
Verdict: Mumbai Airport wins on flight options currently. However, if your destination is served by NMIA (Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, etc.), choose NMIA for convenience.
4. Airport Experience
Navi Mumbai Airport Advantages:
- Brand new terminal (opened Dec 2025) - modern, spacious
- Less crowded - faster security, check-in, baggage claim
- State-of-the-art facilities
- Easier cab pickup - modern infrastructure, clear signage
- Free parking for first 30 minutes for pickups
Mumbai Airport Advantages:
- More lounges and airline services
- Better shopping and dining options (currently)
- 24/7 operations
- More frequent flights to same destination
5. Route Quality & Reliability
NMIA Route:
- Navi Mumbai Airport → Panvel → Mumbai-Pune Expressway → Pune
- 95% expressway driving
- Predictable journey times
- Less affected by weather/traffic
Mumbai Airport Route:
- Mumbai Airport → Mumbai city roads → Expressway → Pune
- 30% city traffic, 70% expressway
- Variable journey times (Mumbai traffic unpredictable)
- Can add 30-60 min during peak hours
When to Choose Navi Mumbai Airport
- ✓ Your destination is served by NMIA airlines
- ✓ You want faster, stress-free travel from Pune
- ✓ You prefer modern, less crowded airports
- ✓ You're flying during NMIA operational hours (8 AM - 8 PM)
- ✓ You value predictable journey times
- ✓ You're from West Pune (Hinjewadi, Wakad, Baner - even closer to NMIA)
When to Choose Mumbai Airport
- • Your destination is NOT served by NMIA (yet)
- • You need red-eye flights (before 8 AM or after 8 PM until Feb 2026)
- • You want more airline choices for same destination
- • You're flying international (NMIA will add international later)
Conclusion: The Verdict for Pune Travelers
For most Pune travelers in 2025-2026, Navi Mumbai Airport is the better choice when your destination is available.
Key Advantages of NMIA:
- 40 km closer = 30-60 minutes time saved
- Better route quality (95% expressway)
- Brand new, modern facilities
- Less crowded, faster processing
- Same cab fare despite shorter distance
As NMIA expands operations (24/7 from Feb 2026, international flights coming soon, more airlines joining), it will become the default choice for Pune residents.
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Comfortable electric cab service at flat ₹2,300 to all Pune localities