Air India Express will inaugurate direct international passenger flights from Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) to Abu Dhabi on July 15, according to recent announcements. This key development is expected to align with the airport's debut of international freight services, signaling a major boost for the recently operational aviation facility.
New International Gateway for Navi Mumbai
The commencement of these international services by Air India Express, the low-cost arm of the Air India Group, marks a crucial milestone for NMIA. Bookings for the inaugural flight are anticipated to open soon. The airport, owned by the Adani Group with a 26 percent stake held by Maharashtra's urban planning agency Cidco, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in October last year and began domestic commercial operations on December 25, 2025.
Coinciding with Freight Operations
BVJK Sharma, CEO of Navi Mumbai International Airport Ltd (NMIAL), confirmed to media on June 17 that the airport aims to launch both international passenger and freight operations from July 15. He expressed optimism about the ramp-up of freight flights, projecting nearly 18 weekly movements initially. Sharma also indicated that other domestic and foreign airlines are likely to follow suit in establishing international routes from the airport.
Overcoming Previous Delays
The move to begin international services on July 15 follows an earlier postponement. NMIAL had initially planned to launch international operations during the airline's summer schedule, which runs from late March to late October. However, these plans were delayed, reportedly due to the conflict in West Asia. The airport's readiness for international operations was recently reviewed by a senior official from the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) on June 16.
Future Growth Projections
Currently, Navi Mumbai International Airport handles approximately 20,000 passengers daily, with 150 departures and arrivals. The airport operator anticipates a substantial increase in activity, expecting daily passenger footfall to rise to 50,000 by the end of the year. Concurrently, air traffic movements, including both arrivals and departures, are projected to reach 380 per day, solidifying NMIA's role as a growing regional and international hub.