Workers Who Built Navi Mumbai Airport Fly On Maiden Flight, Gautam Adani Calls It Historic Moment
Workers Who Built Navi Mumbai Airport Fly On Maiden Flight, Gautam Adani Calls It Historic Moment
Airport launch marks start of Mumbai’s multi-airport era as first-time flyers, frontline workers share the skies
In a symbolic and emotional start to operations, workers who helped build the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) were among the passengers on its maiden commercial flight, marking a milestone moment in India’s infrastructure journey.
Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani personally welcomed passengers arriving on the inaugural flight and interacted with airport staff, frontline workers, and several first-time flyers on Thursday. Calling the moment historic, Adani said the presence of construction workers on the first flight reflected the confidence, dignity and determination of India’s labour force.
Sharing a video from the inaugural day on X, Adani wrote in Hindi that the smiling faces of workers on the flight showcased “the confidence of our labour force and an ever-progressing India.” He credited their hard work and perseverance for the completion of the massive greenfield airport project in record time.
The short video featured several first-time flyers expressing excitement about their maiden air journey. One woman passenger said she had never imagined she would one day travel by plane and described the experience as deeply emotional. Other flyers echoed similar sentiments, thanking the Adani Group for making the experience possible.
With NMIA now operational, Mumbai formally joins global aviation hubs such as London, New York, Tokyo and Shanghai that are served by multiple airports to meet growing passenger demand. For the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, the airport marks the beginning of a true multi-airport system aimed at easing congestion and supporting long-term growth.
Developed and operated by Adani Airports Holdings Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Adani Enterprises Limited, NMIA is among India’s largest greenfield airport projects. It has been developed to reduce pressure on the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and to cater to rising air traffic in western India.
The inaugural commercial arrival — IndiGo flight 6E460 from Bengaluru — landed at 8 am to a traditional water cannon salute. On its first day of operations, NMIA handled 48 flights connecting nine domestic destinations and served over 4,000 passengers. Peak passenger movement was recorded between 5 am and 7 am, indicating strong early demand and operational readiness.
After welcoming passengers, Gautam Adani joined airport employees, community representatives and Adani Foundation beneficiaries for a ceremonial walk through the departure terminal. The launch concluded with a flag-hoisting ceremony led by Param Vir Chakra awardees Captain Bana Singh and Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar, followed by the national anthem.
Leading sportspersons including Suryakumar Yadav, Mithali Raj and Sunil Chhetri, along with social media influencers Malini Agarwal and Viraj Ghelani, were also present at the event.
Calling it a proud day for Mumbai and India, Adani said NMIA stands as a promise of what the country can achieve when ambition is guided by purpose and executed with speed and compassion. IndiGo, Air India Express and Akasa Air confirmed the start of scheduled operations from the new airport, marking a new chapter in India’s aviation landscape.
