Air India Group set to launch Flights Operations from Navi Mumbai International Airport

Navi Mumbai, India (Urban Transport News): In a major boost to India's aviation infrastructure, the Air India group has officially announced plans to commence commercial operations from the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), set to be operated by Adani Airport Holdings Ltd. The airline's value carrier, Air India Express, will kickstart the first phase with 20 daily departures, amounting to 40 Air Traffic Movements (ATMs) to over 15 Indian cities.

This marks a crucial milestone as Mumbai gears up to join global cities with dual-airport systems, enhancing its stature as a key aviation hub in South Asia. Air India Express aims to expand operations significantly in the next year, targeting 55 daily departures (110 ATMs) — including 5 international flights — by mid-2026. By Winter 2026, the airline plans to scale further to 60 daily departures (120 ATMs), connecting domestic and international destinations seamlessly.

Speaking on the announcement, Campbell Wilson, CEO & Managing Director of Air India, said, “We look forward to commencing operations at Navi Mumbai International Airport, as Mumbai joins the league of world cities with more than one airport. We are happy to work with Adani Airports to build NMIA not only as a point that connects to the rest of India, but also as one of the country’s key global transit hubs for both – passengers and cargo.”

From an industry perspective, Mrs. Mamta Shah, MD & CEO of Urban Infra Group, welcomed the announcement, “The entry of Air India Express at Navi Mumbai International Airport reflects the maturing of India’s aviation infrastructure and its ability to handle large-scale, multipolar growth in urban transportation. This expansion aligns with India’s aspirations to be among the top three global aviation markets, offering better connectivity and enhancing regional development across the country.”

Arun Bansal, CEO of Adani Airport Holdings Ltd., echoed similar optimism, stating, “We are delighted to welcome Air India Group to Navi Mumbai International Airport. Their ambitious expansion plans and global vision are perfectly aligned with our aim of making NMIA a benchmark in global aviation.”

The strategic location of NMIA, combined with state-of-the-art facilities and high connectivity to Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), is expected to redefine air travel in western India. Air India Express’s operations will play a pivotal role in providing alternate gateways for international and domestic travelers, reducing congestion at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA).

Navi Mumbai International Airport is being developed in five phases, with the initial phase projected to handle 20 million passengers annually (MPPA) and manage 0.5 million metric tons (MMT) of cargo. Once fully completed, NMIA will have the capacity to handle 90 MPPA and 3.2 MMT of cargo, making it one of the largest airports in the region.

The collaboration between the Tata-owned Air India group and Adani Group signals the dawn of a new era in Indian civil aviation, driving regional connectivity, international transit potential, and world-class passenger experiences from Navi Mumbai.