The Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is expected to commence its first commercial domestic flight around 15 December, though an official announcement is yet to be made by the Navi Mumbai International Airport Limited (NMIAL). According to senior officials from the Navi Mumbai Police Commissionerate, cargo operations are also likely to begin around the same time, while international flights are anticipated to start by February 2026.

The Airport Police Station, constructed within the NMIA premises, is expected to be handed over to the police by December. An official from the City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra Limited (CIDCO) confirmed that work is progressing with a target launch date of 15 December for the airport’s first flight.

Meanwhile, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has formally taken charge of airport security. “The induction process has been completed, and sweeping operations are now under way,” said a CISF official. “Currently, 200 personnel have been deployed, and the strength will gradually increase to 1,800 as per operational requirements.”

The CISF will also establish a dedicated control room to oversee security operations at the Terminal 3 (T3) complex, ensuring comprehensive surveillance and incident management.

For the newly created Airport Police Station, the government has approved 108 posts across various ranks, along with recurring expenditure of Rs 33.8 million and non-recurring expenditure of Rs 17.6 million. The jurisdiction for the new police station will be carved out from the Panvel City and Ulwe police stations under the Navi Mumbai Police Commissionerate.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Headquarters) Sanjay Patil stated that interviews for immigration staff have already begun. Selected candidates will undergo training at the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), Mumbai, ahead of the airport’s operational launch.

Once functional, the Navi Mumbai International Airport—a key project under Maharashtra’s infrastructure development plan—will feature four passenger terminals, two runways, and advanced cargo facilities, positioning it as a major aviation hub for western India.