Adani Airport Holdings Ltd. (AAHL) has announced the launch of international operations at Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) with Air India Express commencing direct flights to Abu Dhabi from 15 July 2026. This marks a significant milestone as NMIA expands its network less than 200 days after starting domestic operations on 25 December 2025.

The introduction of thrice-weekly flights to Abu Dhabi enhances connectivity for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), a major hub of economic activity in India. The new route is a result of collaboration between government agencies, aviation regulators, and airline partners, establishing NMIA as MMR’s second global gateway.

Nipun Aggarwal, Chairman of Air India Express, expressed enthusiasm about the launch, stating, “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.”

Arun Bansal, CEO of AAHL, highlighted the significance of this development, saying, “The launch of our first scheduled international flight marks the beginning of a new phase in Navi Mumbai International Airport's journey.”

Since its inception, NMIA has connected 46 domestic destinations and served over 2.3 million passengers. The airport now handles approximately 150 Air Traffic Movements daily. The inaugural international flight also marks NMIA's entry into global cargo markets, carrying its first perishable export shipment.

The Abu Dhabi service is the first of several planned international routes, positioning NMIA to play a crucial role in enhancing Mumbai's aviation capacity and supporting India's international connectivity, trade, and tourism

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