MUMBAI (ALETIHAD)
Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), the second airport serving India’s commercial capital, has commenced international operations, with its maiden overseas flight taking off for Abu Dhabi.
Adani Airport Holdings Ltd. (AAHL), India’s largest private airport operator, said in a statement that Air India Express’s direct flight to Abu Dhabi departed in early hours of Wednesday.
The thrice-weekly service opened NMIA’s international network less than 200 days after the airport commenced domestic operations on December 25, 2025.
The route gives passengers from Navi Mumbai and the wider Mumbai Metropolitan Region a direct connection to the UAE, providing an additional international gateway alongside Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.
Nipun Aggarwal, Chairman of Air India Express, said: “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.”
He said Navi Mumbai was an important part of the airline’s dual-airport strategy, complementing its services from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.
The airport said the service would improve access to the UAE for passengers from one of India’s largest concentrations of residents, businesses and economic activity.
The inaugural international flight also carried NMIA’s first overseas shipment of perishable goods, establishing the airport as a new export gateway for high-value and time-sensitive cargo.
The airport said the commencement of international cargo operations was expected to improve access to overseas markets for Indian exporters and support the movement of perishable products that require faster transport and handling.
The Abu Dhabi service is the first of several international routes planned from NMIA as the airport expands its airline partnerships and destination network.
Arun Bansal, Chief Executive Officer of AAHL, said the first scheduled international flight marked a new phase in the airport’s development.
“As we expand our network with more airline partners and destinations, our focus remains on delivering seamless operations and a world-class travel experience while strengthening Navi Mumbai’s position as a preferred gateway for international travel,” Bansal said.
The airport said the expansion of international passenger and cargo services would help increase aviation capacity across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region while supporting India’s international connectivity, exports, tourism and trade.