Nearest Airport to Lonavala, Karjat, Pune: Navi Mumbai International Airport Travel Guide 2025
The Navi Mumbai International Airport is set to redefine connectivity for travellers heading to Lonavala, Karjat, and even Pune — and yes, it’s now the nearest major airport for many popular weekend destinations around Mumbai. If you’re planning your 2025 travels, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about the new Mumbai airport, travel times, routes, flights, and stay options.
In this Blog
What Makes Navi Mumbai International Airport a Game-Changer?
The Navi Mumbai International Airport (also referred to as Ulwe Airport) is poised to become one of India’s most important aviation hubs. Its design, location, and phased rollout are tailored to address both capacity and connectivity for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). The nearest major airport to Lonavala and Karjat is the newly opened Navi Mumbai International Airport, which starts operations on 25 December 2025.
Key Facts & Latest Updates
- Opening Date: Commercial operations begin on 25 December 2025.
- Operating Hours (Initial Phase): For the first month, the airport will run 8 am–8 pm only.
- Daily Departures: ~23 scheduled daily departures to begin with; peak of 10 aircraft movements per hour in this phase.
- Airlines: Initially, IndiGo, Air India Express, and Akasa Air will operate from NMIA, serving ~16 domestic destinations.
- First Flights: The inaugural flight arriving is IndiGo 6E 460 from Bengaluru (touchdown at 8:00 AM), followed by IndiGo 6E 882 departing for Hyderabad at ~8:40 AM.
- Security & Readiness: The airport is conducting Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) trials. The CISF (Central Industrial Security Force) took over security operations from 29 October 2025.
- Full Operations: From February 2026, NMIA is expected to operate 24×7, with a planned increase to ~34 daily departures.
- Capacity: In its first phase, the airport is designed to handle 20 million passengers per annum, with long-term expansion to 90 million.
- Sustainability & Design: The terminal is inspired by the lotus, uses renewable energy, and offers a fully digital passenger experience.
Nearest Airport to Lonavala: Why Navi Mumbai International Airport Wins
Distance & Travel Times
Here’s how the new airport stacks up against other options:
| Airport | Distance to Lonavala | Approx Travel Time | Recommended Route |
| Navi Mumbai International Airport | ~65 km | 1 hr 20 min – 1 hr 40 min | MTHL → Mumbai–Pune Expressway |
| Mumbai Airport (BOM) | ~90 km | 2–2.5 hrs | WEH → SCLR → Airoli |
| Pune Airport (PNQ) | ~67 km | 1.5–2 hrs | NH48 |
Because of its strategic position, Navi Mumbai Airport offers the fastest and most reliable access to Lonavala, especially for weekend getaways.
Why This Matters
- Saves up to 45 minutes compared to flying into Mumbai Airport.
- Avoids traffic congestion in central and eastern Mumbai.
- Excellent for StayVista villas in and around Lonavala, making arrival and departure smoother.
For Lonavala visitors, the Navi Mumbai International Airport is the closest and fastest airport option in 2025.
Is Navi Mumbai International Airport the Nearest Airport to Karjat?
Yes – NMIA is also the closest major airport for Karjat travellers.
Distance & Travel
- From Navi Mumbai International Airport: ~50–55 km → about 1 hr to 1 hr 15 min
- From Mumbai Airport: ~80–85 km → around 2 hrs
- From Pune Airport: ~110 km → approx. 2.5 hrs
Landing at NMIA puts Karjat much more easily within reach compared to traditional options.
Who Gains Most
- StayVista guests heading to Karjat villas or mountain-view stays
- Wedding or retreat-goers in Karjat
- Hikers going to the Kondana Caves, Bhivpuri Waterfall, or ND Studio
This new accessibility could dramatically boost Karjat’s popularity for luxury stays and nature escapes.
Nearest Airport to Pune: How the New Navi Mumbai Airport Fits In
Strictly speaking, Pune Airport (PNQ) remains the closest airport for Pune city.
But for certain travellers, Navi Mumbai International Airport is an appealing alternative:
Why Choose NMIA Over Pune Airport for Some Trips?
- The airport lies roughly 120 km from Pune via the Expressway — ideal when combining Mumbai or Lonavala trips.
- For business or blended leisure trips (e.g., Pune + Lonavala), flying into NMIA offers a strategic entry point.
- NMIA’s launch could relieve slot pressure on Pune Airport, especially during peak demand or holidays.
So although the nearest airport to Pune in distance remains PNQ, NMIA adds a powerful option – particularly for multi-destination trips.
Navi Mumbai Airport Flights: What to Expect in 2025
Launch Phase (Dec 2025)
- Operations Start: 25 December 2025, from 08:00 to 20:00 daily.
- Daily Flights: ~23 scheduled departures.
- Aircraft Movement Cap: Up to 10 movements/hour during this phase.
- Inaugural Flight: IndiGo 6E460 from Bengaluru.
- First Departure: IndiGo 6E882 to Hyderabad at ~8:40 AM.
- Airlines: IndiGo, Air India Express, Akasa Air serving about 16 domestic destinations.
Scale-Up Phase (From Feb 2026)
- 24×7 Operations begin.
- Daily Departures ramp up to ~34.
- IndiGo Growth Plan: According to Economic Times, IndiGo aims to reach 79 daily departures (158 ATMs) including a number of international flights.
- Long-Term Goals: More airlines, international connectivity, and full capacity to be realized over time.
How to Reach Navi Mumbai International Airport
The new Mumbai airport is well-connected by multiple modes of transport:
1. Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL)
A fast, direct highway link: Sewri → Ulwe → NMIA
- Saves commuters major time
- Bypasses heavy city traffic points
2. Future Metro Connectivity
- Metro Line 8 (planned) will connect the airport to CSMT, Thane, and Panvel.
- This strategic metro link will make ground access smoother for both Mumbai and Navi Mumbai residents.
3. Major Highways
- Located close to Sion–Panvel Highway, JNPT Road, and Mumbai–Pune Expressway
- Great for travellers driving from Pune, Lonavala, or Karjat
Why Travellers to Lonavala, Karjat & Pune Should Prefer Navi Mumbai Airport
Here are the main advantages:
1. Smoother Access to Weekend Destinations
Travellers heading to Lonavala, Karjat, or Aamby Valley will cut travel time significantly.
2. Reduced Congestion
Avoids Mumbai’s inner-city chaos – no more long traffic jams around Chembur, Sion, or Airoli.
3. Better Airport Experience
- India’s first fully digital airport
- Sustainable design (lotus-inspired terminal, green practices)
- Modern facilities and capacity to scale
4. Flight Availability
With 23 flights starting and more coming by February, there will be more choice – not just for business, but for leisure travellers.
5. Ideal for StayVista Guests
If you’re planning a StayVista stay (in Lonavala, Karjat, Alibaug, or Pune’s outskirts), flying into NMIA makes the travel leg easier and more relaxed.
Travel Times to Popular Destinations (Quick Facts)
| Destination | From Navi Mumbai Airport | Ideal Route |
| Lonavala | ~65 km / ~1.5 hrs | MTHL → Expressway |
| Karjat | ~50 km / ~1 hr | JNPT Road → Karjat Road |
| Pune | ~120 km / ~2 hrs | Expressway |
| Matheran | ~45 km / ~1 hr | Panvel → Neral |
| Alibaug | ~75 km / ~1.5 hrs | Pen Road |
| Aamby Valley | ~85 km / ~2 hrs | Expressway → Aamby Road |
Is Navi Mumbai International Airport Safe & Reliable?
Yes – and here’s why:
- Fully Digital Airport: Designed for a modern passenger experience.
- Security: CISF deployed across the airport after taking over in late October 2025.
- Sustainability: Built with green design practices, renewable energy, and future-readiness in mind.
- Scalable Capacity: From 20 MPPA in Phase 1 to 90 MPPA in its full potential.
- Safety Preparedness: Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) trials are already underway.
Stay Recommendations for Airport Travellers
For travellers flying into Navi Mumbai International Airport, here are some StayVista villa suggestions:
Luxury private-pool villas in Lonavala – perfect for weekend getaways
Boutique hillside villas in Karjat – ideal for treks and nature escapes
Large-group villas around Pawna Lake – for friends, families or corporate retreats
Scenic villas on the outskirts of Pune – great for combining city and nature stays
Ridgewood Mansion
These stay options will pair well with your flight in or out of NMIA, maximizing your trip comfort and minimizing travel fatigue.
FAQs
NMIA will open for commercial operations on 25 December 2025, initially running from 8 am to 8 pm.
In the launch phase, IndiGo, Air India Express, and Akasa Air will operate from NMIA.
The inaugural flight is IndiGo 6E460 from Bengaluru, scheduled to land at 8:00 AM.
No – from February 2026, the airport will shift to 24×7 operations.
Around 23 scheduled departures per day in the first month, with up to 10 aircraft movements per hour.
Phase 1 capacity is 20 million passengers annually; long term, the airport is designed to scale to 90 million.
Your Gateway to Lonavala, Karjat & Pune Just Got Better
The Navi Mumbai International Airport is not just another airport – it’s a transformational gateway, especially for those travelling to Lonavala, Karjat, and Pune. With a Christmas 2025 launch, strong initial airline commitment, and a phased roadmap to 24×7 operations, NMIA is set to become a preferred arrival point for leisure and business travellers.
If 2025 is the year you explore more weekend escapes, this airport will be your biggest advantage. And when you’re ready to plan the perfect trip, pair your arrival with a premium StayVista villa for the full experience.
