Air India Express Launches First Overseas Service from Navi Mumbai.
Air India Express has started direct flights between Navi Mumbai and Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), marking the start of scheduled international operations at Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA).
Less than 200 days after the airport started domestic operations on December 25, 2025, the thrice-weekly service is NMIA’s first planned international route. With the launch, international connection is now available at every airport in AAHL’s portfolio.
The new service enhances NMIA’s standing as the region’s second international gateway and gives visitors in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) a direct connection to the UAE.
Arun Bansal, Chief Executive Officer of Adani Airport Holdings Ltd. stated, “The launch of our first scheduled international flight marks the beginning of a new phase in Navi Mumbai International Airport’s journey. We express our gratitude to all state and federal government organisations and stakeholders for their crucial assistance in enabling us to reach this significant milestone. We are also grateful to Air India Express for working with us on this significant first international route. Our goal is still to provide smooth operations and a top-notch travel experience while bolstering Navi Mumbai’s standing as a top international travel gateway as we grow our network with additional airline partners and destinations.”
“We are thrilled 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. A crucial component of our dual-airport strategy, Navi Mumbai enhances our network from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. We cherish our work with Navi Mumbai International Airport and anticipate better connections as a result,” stated Nipun Aggarwal, Chairman of Air India Express.
NMIA has handled over 2.3 million passengers, connected 46 domestic destinations in less than seven months of operation, and currently oversees about 150 air traffic movements (ATMs) every day.
In addition to carrying the airport’s first international perishable export shipment, the first international flight signalled the start of international cargo operations and strengthened NMIA’s support for India’s export industry.
As the airport continues to grow its airline relationships and worldwide destination network, the Abu Dhabi route is the first of several planned foreign flights.
