Navi Mumbai International Airport launches international operations with first flight to Abu Dhabi

A major milestone for Indian aviation — Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) has officially launched its first scheduled international operations with Air India Express flying direct to Abu Dhabi starting July 15, 2026.

First international route:
Navi Mumbai → Abu Dhabi, thrice weekly.

Rapid growth:
International services began less than 200 days after domestic operations started on 25 Dec 2025.

AAHL milestone:
Every airport in Adani Airport Holdings Ltd.’s portfolio is now internationally connected.

Statements:
- Nipun Aggarwal (Chairman, Air India Express) emphasized Navi Mumbai as a key pillar in their dual-airport strategy alongside Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.
- Arun Bansal (CEO, AAHL) called it the start of a new phase, focusing on seamless operations and world-class travel experiences.

Performance so far:
In under 7 months, NMIA has connected 46 domestic destinations, served 2.3 million passengers, and handles ~150 ATMs daily.

Cargo milestone:
The inaugural flight also carried NMIA’s first global perishable export shipment, strengthening its role in international trade.

Future outlook:
More international routes are planned, positioning NMIA as MMR’s second global gateway and a hub for western India’s connectivity.

This launch is not just about passenger travel — it’s also about trade, tourism, and positioning Navi Mumbai as a global aviation hub.