Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is highly anticipated and set to launch in 2025. The construction is being carried out in five phases. In the first phase, the airport is expected to serve up to 20 million passengers per year and handle 0.5 million metric tons of cargo. Recent reports indicate that the inauguration is scheduled for October, having been delayed from the original date of September 30 due to weather conditions.
As we await the opening, the Air India group has announced plans to start commercial flights from NMIA, which will be managed by Adani Airport Holdings Ltd. During the first stage, Air India Express, the low-cost airline under the Air India group, will offer 20 daily departures, which translates to 40 movements in air traffic, connecting NMIA to 15 cities across India. By mid-2026, the group plans to increase this to 55 daily departures (110 air traffic movements), which will include up to 5 international flights.
Air India Group Aims To Operate 60 Daily Departures By Winter 2026
By winter 2026, Air India aims to enhance its operations to 60 daily departures (120 air traffic movements) from NMIA, providing seamless connectivity for passengers to various key domestic and international destinations. The planned operations of Air India Express at NMIA promise to significantly enhance transport options for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) and facilitate smooth international transit through the new airport.
On this, Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, 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, given its strategic geographical location.
Other Airlines To Operate From Navi Mumbai International Airport
Akasa Air has partnered with Adani Airport Holdings Ltd. to expand its operations, starting with over 100 weekly domestic flights and aiming for more than 300 domestic and 50 international flights in its winter schedule.
Additionally, IndiGo has become the first airline to announce commercial operations from Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), planning to launch with 18 daily flights to over 15 cities. This service is expected to grow to 79 daily flights by November 2025, including 14 international routes, and eventually reach over 100 daily flights by March 2026, with further expansion to 140 daily flights by November 2026.
