Navi Mumbai International Airport kicks-off flight operations – Water salute to warm Smiles | In Pics

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The Navi Mumbai International Airport began commercial flight operations on Thursday, marking a major milestone for India’s civil aviation sector and significantly boosting air travel capacity in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The first arrival was IndiGo flight 6E460 from Bengaluru, which touched down at 8 am and was greeted with a traditional water cannon salute as it taxied on the runway. Ahead of the historic landing, IndiGo staff marked the occasion by cutting a cake and performing coconut-breaking rituals, in keeping with customary auspicious practices. A passenger told ANI, “We came from Bangalore, and we booked this trip specifically to explore the Navi Mumbai airport. First of all, I thank Mr Adani. He came and welcomed all the passengers. I am very happy. Everything is good.” (Image: PTI)

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The aircraft was accorded a ceremonial water cannon salute on arrival, a time-honoured aviation tradition marking NMIA’s first commercial touchdown and departure.

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The idea for the airport was first proposed in 1997 by Maharashtra’s City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO). Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid its foundation stone in 2018 and inaugurated the airport on October 8 this year. (Image source: PTI)

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Since 2021, Adani Airports Holdings Limited (AAHL), a subsidiary of Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL), has been spearheading the development, construction, and operational preparation of the greenfield airport, advancing it from rapid construction to phased commercial operations in a shortened timeframe. (Image source: PTI)

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An interior view of the newly built Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) ahead of the start of commercial flight operations in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra. (Image source: PTI)

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An aircraft is accorded a ceremonial water cannon salute as Navi Mumbai International Airport commences commercial flight operations. (Image source: PTI)

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Drones light up the sky during an event held ahead of the operational launch of the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra. (Image source: PTI)

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A view of the Navi Mumbai International Airport ahead of the launch of its first passenger flight operations. (Image source: PTI)

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An interior view of the newly built Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) featuring “NMI” written from plants. (Image source: PTI)

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Drones light up the sky during an event held ahead of the operational launch of the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra. (Image source: PTI)

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Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani, in a group photo with as Navi Mumbai International Airport commenced its airside operations, in Navi Mumbai on Thursday. (Image source: ANI Photo)

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First passengers are welcomed as airside operations commence at Navi Mumbai International Airport in Navi Mumbai on Thursday. (Image source: ANI Photo)