Air India Express begins thrice-weekly direct service; NMIA expands global connectivity within 200 days of domestic operations
Mumbai: Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), operated by Adani Airport Holdings Ltd. (AAHL), has officially commenced scheduled international operations with the launch of its first direct international flight to Abu Dhabi, operated by Air India Express from July 15, 2026.
The new thrice-weekly service marks a significant milestone for India’s fastest-growing greenfield airport, which has expanded to international operations in less than 200 days after beginning domestic services on December 25, 2025.
The Abu Dhabi route strengthens connectivity between the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) and the United Arab Emirates, providing travellers with a convenient new international gateway while reinforcing Navi Mumbai’s growing role in India’s aviation network. With this launch, every airport operated by Adani Airport Holdings Ltd. is now connected to international destinations.
Commenting on the milestone, Arun Bansal, Chief Executive Officer of Adani Airport Holdings Ltd., said the launch represents a new chapter in NMIA’s journey and thanked government agencies, aviation regulators, airline partners and stakeholders for their support in making the airport’s first international operation possible. He added that AAHL remains committed to expanding its international network while delivering seamless passenger experiences.
Nipun Aggarwal, Chairman of Air India Express, said the Abu Dhabi route strengthens the airline’s dual-airport strategy for the Mumbai region by complementing its operations from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. He added that the partnership with NMIA would continue to enhance regional and international connectivity.
In under seven months of operations, NMIA has built a network of 46 domestic destinations, handled over 2.3 million passengers, and now manages approximately 150 Air Traffic Movements (ATMs) daily.
The inaugural international flight also carried the airport’s first global perishable export shipment, marking another milestone in NMIA’s cargo operations and creating new opportunities for Indian exporters dealing in time-sensitive goods.
The Abu Dhabi service is expected to be the first of several international routes planned from Navi Mumbai International Airport as it continues to expand airline partnerships, strengthen Mumbai’s aviation capacity, and support India’s growing trade, tourism, and global connectivity.