Navi Mumbai airport launches 1st international flight with Air India Express service to Abu Dhabi

Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) on Wednesday began scheduled international operations with the launch of Air India Express’ first direct flight to Abu Dhabi, less than 200 days after the airport started domestic services.

The airline has commenced a thrice-weekly service between Navi Mumbai and the UAE capital, making Abu Dhabi the airport’s first international destination.

NMIA was opened for domestic operations on December 25, 2025. Since then, it has connected 46 domestic destinations, handled more than 2.3 million passengers and is now managing around 150 air traffic movements (ATMs) every day.

The new route also means all airports operated by Adani Airport Holdings Ltd (AAHL) are now connected to international destinations. The airport operator said the service would strengthen connectivity for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), offering travellers another international gateway alongside Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.

Air India Express Chairman Nipun Aggarwal said the airline was pleased to begin international operations from Navi Mumbai with direct flights to Abu Dhabi, describing the airport as a key part of its dual-airport strategy for the Mumbai region.

”Navi Mumbai is a key pillar of our dual-airport strategy, complementing our network from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. We value our partnership with Navi Mumbai International Airport and look forward to strengthening connectivity through this collaboration,” he said.

AAHL Chief Executive Officer Arun Bansal said the first scheduled international flight marked a new phase in the airport’s journey and thanked central and state government agencies, regulators and stakeholders for supporting the launch.

He also acknowledged Air India Express for operating the airport’s first international route and said the airport would continue expanding its network with more airline partners and overseas destinations while focusing on seamless operations and a world-class passenger experience.

The inaugural international flight also carried NMIA’s first global perishable export shipment, marking the airport’s entry into international cargo operations. The airport operator said this would improve access to overseas markets for Indian exporters and strengthen its cargo handling capabilities.

The Abu Dhabi service is expected to be the first of several international routes planned from Navi Mumbai as the airport expands its global network. AAHL said the airport would play an increasing role in boosting Mumbai’s aviation capacity while supporting India’s growing international connectivity, trade and tourism.

Developed under a public-private partnership between Adani Airport Holdings Ltd and the City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra (CIDCO), Navi Mumbai International Airport is designed to handle up to 20 million passengers annually in its first phase. Once fully developed, the airport will have the capacity to handle 90 million passengers and 0.5 million metric tonnes of cargo every year.