New Delhi, Oct. 8 -- Mumbai: Nearly three decades in the making, the Navi Mumbai International Airport is finally set to open to passengers later this year, offering much-needed relief to Mumbai's congested Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA).

The new airport, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi today, is about 44 kilometres from CSMIA, a drive that can take nearly two hours.

Though details on routes and ticketing are still awaited, India's top carriers have already lined up initial schedules. Indigo has planned 18 daily departures, Air India has planned 20 daily departures, and Akasa has planned 14 daily departures, according to company statements.

For now, flights will operate between 8 am and 8 pm. Inte...