Air India Express, the low-cost subsidiary of the Air India Group, is set to commence operations from the newly constructed Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) with 20 daily departures in its initial phase. These flights will connect NMIA to over 15 cities across India, marking a significant expansion in the country’s aviation network.
The move is part of the airline’s broader strategy to enhance connectivity and reduce congestion at the existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA). In its first operational stage, Air India Express will manage 40 Air Traffic Movements daily. The airline has plans to gradually expand operations to 55 daily departures by mid-2026, including up to five international flights, and eventually increase to 60 departures per day by winter 2026.
The development of NMIA, managed by Adani Airport Holdings Ltd., is a landmark step toward transforming the Mumbai Metropolitan Region into a dual-airport hub. The airport is being constructed in five phases, with the initial phase designed to handle 20 million passengers and 0.5 million metric tons of cargo annually. Upon completion of all phases, NMIA is expected to accommodate 90 million passengers and manage 3.2 million metric tons of cargo each year.
This new operational hub is expected to significantly enhance regional connectivity, offering more travel choices and convenience for passengers. Air India Express’s expansion aligns with the vision of NMIA becoming a major transit point for both domestic and international travel, supporting India’s growing aviation demand and strengthening its position in global air transport.
Air India Express’s commencement of flights from NMIA highlights the airline’s commitment to expanding its network and improving accessibility for passengers. As the airport continues to develop, these initiatives are set to transform the region’s aviation landscape and redefine air travel in and out of Mumbai.
