Navi Mumbai Airport Launches First International Flight
Air India Express begins direct Abu Dhabi service as airport expands global connectivity
- Navi Mumbai International Airport launches its first scheduled international flight.
- Air India Express begins thrice-weekly direct service to Abu Dhabi.
- Airport currently connects 46 domestic destinations with 150 daily flight movements.
- International operations mark a major milestone in Mumbai’s aviation expansion.
GG News Bureau
Mumbai, 15th July: Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) on Wednesday launched its first scheduled international flight, with an Air India Express service to Abu Dhabi taking off at 2:55 am, marking the beginning of the airport’s international operations more than six months after commencing commercial domestic services.
The Abu Dhabi flight will operate three times a week, providing a direct air link between Navi Mumbai and the United Arab Emirates.
Adani Airports Holdings Ltd (AAHL) said the launch represents a major milestone achieved through the coordinated efforts of government agencies, aviation regulators, airline partners and airport stakeholders, positioning NMIA as the Mumbai Metropolitan Region’s second international gateway.
“The launch of our first scheduled international flight marks the beginning of a new phase in Navi Mumbai International Airport’s journey. We thank all the state and central government agencies and stakeholders for their invaluable support. We also appreciate Air India Express for partnering with us on this important first international route,” AAHL Chief Executive Officer Arun Bansal said.
The airport currently handles around 150 air traffic movements daily and offers connectivity to 46 domestic destinations. Officials said the addition of international operations will further strengthen the airport’s role in meeting the aviation requirements of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and western India.
Bansal said AAHL plans to expand international connectivity by adding more airline partners and overseas destinations while maintaining seamless airport operations.
The Abu Dhabi service is the first among several international routes planned from NMIA as the airport seeks to boost India’s global connectivity, trade and tourism.
Air India Express Chairman Nipun Aggarwal said the airline was pleased to launch international operations from Navi Mumbai with a direct UAE connection.
“We are delighted to launch international operations from Navi Mumbai with direct flights to Abu Dhabi, creating a convenient new gateway to the UAE for travellers from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Navi Mumbai is a key pillar of our dual-airport strategy,” Aggarwal said.
Navi Mumbai International Airport is a joint venture between the Adani Group and the Maharashtra government’s City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO).
With the launch of international services from Navi Mumbai, all eight airports operated by Adani Airports Holdings Ltd now offer both domestic and international flight services.
