Sameena Razzaq
Indigo’s decision to start off its commercial operations from the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) has evoked mixed reactions from Mumbai residents. The airline is frequently used by a majority of flyers owing to its economical cost compared to other premium players like Air India. However, given the huge distance between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, flying is likely to become more expensive and time consuming specially for those living in the western suburbs.
Reacting on the development, Andheri East resident, Mansoor Sarguroh says, “The recent shift of domestic flights to T2 has already created a traffic mess. The bridge, parking lot, and all roads leading to the airport are perennially congested. Therefore, it might actually make sense to only shift international operations to NMIA for now. Another major concern is accessibility. Since a large portion of domestic travellers are from Mumbai, travelling all the way to Navi Mumbai would be a considerable challenge. South Mumbai residents, on the other hand may not feel the pinch because of the Atal Setu as it gives them a more direct route”.
Sarguroh also adds, “The success of such a shift will also depend on factors like fare changes, airport taxes, and additional parking charges, if any. If costs go up significantly, it might not be well-received by the passengers”.
Reiterating Sarguroh’s opinion is Lower Parel resident, Abhirup Anand who maintains the shift will certainly be problematic for people based in Mumbai. “Currently, the airport is within city limits, and we are quite used to it. However, travelling to Navi Mumbai just to board a flight will be a hassle. IndiGo is one of the most frequently used airlines for both domestic and international travel due to its wide network and regular flights. Of course, there are other airlines, but they don’t offer the same frequency or connectivity as IndiGo does. Therefore, this move will affect many regular flyers who rely on IndiGo for their travel needs. Additionally, in terms of cost, travelling from Mumbai to Navi Mumbai will add an extra burden” elaborates Anand.
Powai resident, Irshad Siddiqui also echoes Sarguroh and Anand’s sentiments. “I live in Powai. If the domestic flights are taking off and landing as well at the NMAI, imagine the time I will be wasting travelling back and forth between Powai and Navi Mumbai. Also, it is not just about time-this kind of travel will increase my overall costs notably. Besides, many times I am the one who is going to airport to pick and drop my family members so, I think flights operating from the current airport is more convenient for me” says Siddiqui.
Kandivali resident Ani Mirani adds, “It is both good and bad. Good for people living in eastern side of the city as they will have more options and bad for people like me who live in western suburbs because the Navi Mumbai trip will be expensive. If the government can provide easier connectivity to the NMIA from western suburbs, it will ease the inconvenience”.
News Reports indicate Indigo will initially operate 18 daily departures amounting to 36 Air Traffic Movements (ATMs) connecting to more than 15 destinations from the outset. Then by November 2025, it will progressively increase the number to 79 daily departures totalling 158 ATMs including 14 international departures. And eventually by November 2026, it will take the tally to 140 daily flights adding up to 280 ATMs including 30 International departures.
Over 45 million travellers use the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) annually, making it one of the busiest airports in the world. However, the dense urban development surrounding it, limits its potential for growth and causes it to suffer from severe congestion. With the opening of NMIA, a dual-airport system for the Mumbai area would be established, relieving some of the strain on CSMIA. It is anticipated that this action will boost economic growth and enhance regional connectivity.
