- Air India Express launched its first international flight from Navi Mumbai Airport to Abu Dhabi on 15 July, making it the first airline to operate scheduled international services from the airport.
- The inaugural flight was celebrated with a traditional water cannon salute for the first international arrival from Abu Dhabi, while the outbound service also carried the airport's first international shipment of perishable exports.
- Air Cargo India transported the first international export shipment from the new Navi Mumbai International Airport, consisting of 1.79 tonnes of freshly harvested guavas and Drumstick Moringa.
- The Abu Dhabi service is part of a broader strategy for Air India Express to develop operations across both of Mumbai's airports, enhancing connectivity.
- Navi Mumbai is considered a key pillar of Air India Express's dual-airport strategy, complementing its network from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.
- Air India Express plans to increase services from Navi Mumbai to around 55 daily departures, including international routes, by winter 2026.
Air India Express commenced its inaugural international flight from Navi Mumbai to Abu Dhabi on July 15, 2023, establishing the airport's first scheduled international service. The flight, operating thrice weekly, is part of a broader strategy to enhance connectivity across Mumbai's dual-airport system.16
“The launch of our first scheduled international flight marks the beginning of a new phase in Navi Mumbai International Airport’s journey,” stated Arun Bansal, CEO of Adani Airport Holdings Limited. The service aims to increase to around 55 daily departures, including international routes, by winter 2026.7
The inaugural flight also transported the airport's first international export, a 1.79-tonne shipment of freshly harvested guavas and Drumstick Moringa, showcasing the airport's cargo capabilities. “Every new route presents an opportunity,” said Ramesh Mamidala, head of cargo at Air India. The service is expected to carry approximately 25 tonnes of cargo each month, supporting the movement of perishables from western India to the UAE.
Air India Express operates the route using a Boeing 737-8 aircraft, which offers about 2.5 tonnes of belly-hold cargo capacity. The airline emphasizes the importance of reliable air connectivity for Indian exporters, particularly for time-sensitive goods. “Maintaining the integrity of the shipment from origin to destination is equally important,” Mamidala added, highlighting investments in cold-chain infrastructure to support exporters.
Developed by Adani Airport Holdings and CIDCO, Navi Mumbai International Airport officially began domestic operations on December 25, 2022.
“The thrice-weekly Abu Dhabi service received a water cannon salute on its inaugural arrival. Air India Express plans to ramp up Navi Mumbai departures to 55 daily flights, while the first export shipment of 1.79 tonnes of guavas and drumsticks launched cargo operations expected to carry 25 tonnes monthly.”
