Air India Express to launch Navi Mumbai Airport’s first international flight to Abu Dhabi
Greenfield airport prepares for expanded passenger and cargo operations
ABU DHABI/MUMBAI – Air India Express is set to make aviation history by launching the first international passenger service from Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), with flights to Abu Dhabi scheduled to begin on July 15.
The move will mark a significant milestone for the newly opened airport as it expands beyond domestic operations and prepares to connect passengers with international destinations. Bookings for the inaugural service are expected to open shortly, according to reports in Indian media.
The airline, part of the Air India Group, will become the first carrier to operate overseas passenger flights from the greenfield airport, which began commercial domestic operations on December 25, 2025. The development follows preparations by airport authorities to introduce international passenger and cargo services from the facility.
Flights to Abu Dhabi
Navi Mumbai International Airport Ltd (NMIAL) Chief Executive Officer BVJK Sharma had earlier announced that international passenger and freight operations were expected to begin from July 15. The airport operator had initially planned to introduce international services during the summer schedule, running from the last week of March to the last week of October, but the launch was postponed due to the West Asia conflict.
The airport, developed by the Adani Group in partnership with the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO), was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in October 2025. CIDCO holds a 26 per cent stake in the project.
Airport expansion
Alongside passenger operations, international cargo activity is also scheduled to begin, with freighter services expected to increase to nearly 18 weekly flights. Airport authorities are also preparing for a major rise in traffic as more airlines are expected to add international routes from the facility.
At present, Navi Mumbai International Airport handles around 20,000 passengers daily, with approximately 150 aircraft movements including arrivals and departures. Officials expect passenger numbers to rise to around 50,000 per day by the end of the year, while daily air traffic movements are projected to increase to about 380.
Other domestic and international airlines are expected to introduce services from the airport in the coming months, strengthening connectivity options for Mumbai and surrounding regions.