- Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) commenced its first international service with Air India Express operating the inaugural flight to Abu Dhabi.
- Air India Express operated the first international flight from Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) to Abu Dhabi on July 15, 2026, carrying around 100 passengers. The flight took off at 2.55 am (IST) and landed after 2.30 hours.
- NMIA started domestic services on December 25, 2025 and exactly 203 days later, on July 15, 2026, it operated its first international departure, clearing customs, immigration, and security red tape.
- The pilot described the flight as a "historic flight and a landmark journey". The inaugural flight also carried NMIA’s first global perishable export shipment.
- International operations require managing borders, unlike domestic operations. This includes installing biometric gates, passport control booths, and dedicated processing stations for customs and immigration.
- In less than seven months, NMIA connected 46 domestic destinations and handled over 2.3 million passengers with 150 aircraft movements daily. Domestic carriers include Indigo, Air India Express, and Akasa Air.
- Despite expanding operations, last-mile connectivity remains a major challenge; passengers without private vehicles face high costs and longer travel times using ride-hailing services like Ola and Uber.
Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) commenced its international operations on July 15, 2026, with Air India Express operating the first flight to Abu Dhabi. This significant milestone occurred 203 days after the airport's domestic launch on December 25, 2025.1237
The inaugural flight, which took off at 2:55 am IST and landed in Abu Dhabi after approximately 2.5 hours, carried around 100 passengers. Air India Express will operate this route three times a week, marking the beginning of NMIA's international network.
“The launch of our first scheduled international flight marks the beginning of a new phase in Navi Mumbai International Airport’s journey,” said Arun Bansal, CEO of Adani Airport Holdings Ltd (AAHL). The airport has already connected 46 domestic destinations and served over 2.3 million passengers in less than seven months, handling around 150 Air Traffic Movements (ATMs) daily.
Air India Express Chairman Nipun Aggarwal emphasized the importance of NMIA in their dual-airport strategy, 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.” The inaugural flight also carried NMIA’s first global perishable export shipment, establishing the airport as a new hub for high-value cargo.45
This development strengthens connectivity in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, making every airport in AAHL’s portfolio internationally connected and enhancing travel options for millions.
“The inaugural Air India Express flight carried around 100 passengers and the pilot called it a "historic flight and a landmark journey." The flight also transported NMIA's first global perishable export shipment, marking the airport's entry into international cargo.”
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