Strong opening for Navi Mumbai Airport, but weak mobile signals frustrate fliers

Updated On: 26 December, 2025 07:28 AM IST | Mumbai | Madhulika Ram Kavattur

Fliers found themselves stuck thanks to blotchy mobile network of multiple service providers; free Wi-Fi at the airport did not have enough range

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The Navi Mumbai International Airport, which handled 48 domestic flightson its opening day. PICS/SAYYED SAMEER ABEDI

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Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), by and large, made a good first impression on fliers on opening day, but teething troubles — chief of which was a lack of stable mobile network connectivity — played spoilsport. Customers of various network providers said they had a tough time staying connected inside the airport and that the free Wi-Fi provided by the airport lacked range. Visual notices had been put up inside the airport, stating, “Mobile signals may not be available for Airtel, Vodafone, and Jio inside the airport. Connect to ‘NMIAL Free Wi-Fi’ for a smooth and uninterrupted experience.”

A sign alerting passengers to the possibility to experiencing network issues. PIC/X/@whizkidd