Air India Express Opens Global Operations at NMIA
Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) has officially entered the global aviation network with the launch of its first scheduled international passenger service—an Air India Express flight to Abu Dhabi. The inaugural flight marks a major milestone for India’s newest greenfield airport and strengthens international connectivity for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
The Air India Express service departed in the early hours of Wednesday and will initially operate three times a week between Navi Mumbai and Abu Dhabi. The launch comes nearly seven months after the airport began domestic commercial operations in December 2025, reflecting the rapid expansion of its passenger and cargo capabilities.
Major Boost for Mumbai’s Aviation Infrastructure
Developed as a joint venture between Adani Airport Holdings Ltd (AAHL) and Maharashtra’s City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO), Navi Mumbai International Airport is designed to ease congestion at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport while supporting the region’s growing travel demand.
Airport officials described the inaugural international service as the beginning of a new phase in NMIA’s development. Alongside passenger operations, the first flight also carried the airport’s maiden international shipment of perishable cargo, highlighting its growing role as an export hub for western India.
Gateway to More International Destinations
Air India Express has become the first airline to operate international services from Navi Mumbai Airport, offering travellers across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region an additional gateway to the United Arab Emirates. The airline said the new route will provide greater convenience and improved connectivity for business travellers, tourists, and the Indian diaspora in the Gulf.
Industry experts expect more domestic and international carriers to begin operations from NMIA in the coming months as the airport expands its route network. The facility already serves dozens of domestic destinations and is expected to emerge as a key aviation hub alongside Mumbai’s existing airport.
Strategic Step for India’s Aviation Growth
The commencement of international flights is expected to boost tourism, trade, and cargo movement while strengthening India’s rapidly expanding aviation sector. With state-of-the-art infrastructure and room for future expansion, Navi Mumbai International Airport is poised to play a central role in meeting the country’s rising passenger demand and supporting economic growth across western India.
