On March 29, Bhavnagar in Gujarat celebrated the launch of its first direct air link to Navi Mumbai, a significant step in enhancing regional air connectivity and integrating the city into broader domestic and international travel networks.

The inaugural flight took off from Bhavnagar Airport, with Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu officiating the flag-off.

The aircraft received a ceremonial water salute, marking the official start of this new route.

During the event, Naidu emphasized that the launch was in response to numerous appeals made to the Ministry of Civil Aviation for better air services for Bhavnagar.

“Today marks the beginning of air services between Bhavnagar and Navi Mumbai. I extend my congratulations to the residents of Bhavnagar. This connectivity will not only serve local travel but will also link Bhavnagar to both national and global destinations,” he stated.

Union Minister Nimuben Bambhaniya hailed this development as a “historic and proud moment” for the city and its inhabitants.

She expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for making this service possible, stating it will “create new pathways for growth.”

IndiGo will operate two daily flights on this route, with scheduled departures at 8:35 a.m. and 8:50 p.m.

This service is anticipated to bolster Bhavnagar’s sectors in industry, commerce, and tourism, while also enhancing access to other major cities via connections from Navi Mumbai.

Among the inaugural flight's passengers were thirty differently-abled individuals, showcasing the widespread public interest in this new service.

Later, a ceremony was held in Bhavnagar to honor Naidu for the launch.

Bambhaniya noted, “Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India has emerged as the third-largest domestic aviation market globally.”

She highlighted the growth in the number of airports in India, which has risen from 74 in 2014 to a projected 165 by 2026. Additionally, she mentioned the ongoing construction of a new airport in Dholera near Bhavnagar as part of broader infrastructure improvements.

Naidu remarked that enhancing the aviation sector is crucial for reaching the vision of a ‘developed India’.

He called the Central government’s UDAN scheme a “transformative initiative” that has garnered international interest.

“Air travel, once regarded as a luxury, is now accessible to the general populace,” he added, revealing that ₹28,000 crore has been earmarked for the scheme in the coming decade, along with the goal of establishing 100 new airports and 200 helipads.

He expressed satisfaction at the enthusiasm displayed by Bhavnagar’s citizens for the new service, noting the city’s historical ties to maritime industries and its strong transportation infrastructure.

The launch of the Bhavnagar–Navi Mumbai route is expected to enhance the city's connectivity and facilitate its integration into larger economic frameworks.