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MUMBAI: Marking a long-awaited milestone for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) formally entered India’s commercial aviation map on Thursday with the arrival and departure of its first scheduled passenger flights.The inaugural arrival was IndiGo flight 6E460 from Bengaluru, which touched down at 8am and was welcomed with a ceremonial water cannon salute. Over half an hour later, NMIA saw its first departure – an IndiGo flight to Hyderabad – taking off at 8.40 am. Day 1 saw 48 flights connecting nine domestic destinations and serving over 4,000 passengers, with peak traffic between 5 pm and 7 pm.NMIA’s take-off marks a major expansion of air connectivity for Mumbai region, constrained for decades by existing airport operating out of a single runway and handling 950 flights every 24 hours.The ‘Navi’ or ‘newness’ factor was underscored even by aviation professionals. “For us, the new airport is called Navi,” said an airline pilot. It is the official call sign to be used by pilots and air traffic controllers in radio communication. “When the first flight was handed over to the Navi Mumbai tower, we radioed to the pilots, ‘Welcome to Navi’,” an aviation official said.There were teething troubles for flyers. Several passengers said road signages were unclear or missing at junctions, causing motorists to reach the cargo terminal before finding the passenger terminal. Approach roads were also under repair, with JCBs deployed for road-widening work.Despite Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport launching bus services on five routes, most flyers opted for app cabs as auto and taxi stands were not fully operational. Passengers travelling from areas such as Matunga and Dadar noted the distance to the new airport-around 35 km. “Signages are not clearly visible on Atal Setu when you enter Navi Mumbai,” said Matunga resident Dinesh Gandhi.Curious visitors also turned up to see the airport, but private security restricted entry to ticketed passengers.Day 1 operations began with four carriers: IndiGo, Akasa Air, Air India Express and Star Air. Developed and operated by Adani Airports Holdings Limited, NMIA is among India’s largest greenfield airport projects. Chairman Gautam Adani welcomed passengers from the inaugural flight and interacted with staff and frontline workers. “It’s a proud day for Mumbai and for India,” he said.Cultural performances featuring Maharashtrian lezim, dhol and tutari added local flavour. India Post released a commemorative First Flight Carried Special Cover flown on an IndiGo service to Goa.Demand to name the airport after D B Patil resurfaced, with former MP Sanjeev Naik saying it reflected the sentiment of Navi Mumbaikars.
