Did Air India Express Launch Flights from Navi Mumbai International Airport?
Synopsis
Air India Express has officially launched its operations from the newly inaugurated Navi Mumbai International Airport, offering direct flights to major cities like Bengaluru and Delhi. This marks a significant step in enhancing connectivity for the region. Read on to discover more about this milestone for Mumbai's aviation landscape.
Key Takeaways
Air India Express launched flights from Navi Mumbai International Airport on Christmas Day.
The first flight was to Bengaluru , followed by a flight to Delhi .
NMIA will initially operate for 12 hours daily.
By February 2026, NMIA will operate around the clock.
The airport is a public-private partnership involving Adani Airports and CIDCO .
Mumbai, Dec 25 (NationPress) On Christmas Day, Air India Express proudly announced the launch of its operations from Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), initiating direct flights to Bengaluru and Delhi.
The inaugural flight to Bengaluru signifies the beginning of Air India Express’s services at this newly established airport.
Following the first flight to Bengaluru, the airline's initial flight to Delhi was set to take off from NMIA at 14:05 hours, expecting to land in the national capital at 16:20 hours, as stated by the airline.
Air India Express is among the pioneers in commencing commercial operations from NMIA on the very day the airport opened its doors.
“The launch of flights from Navi Mumbai is a significant achievement for both the city and the surrounding region. We are pleased to contribute to the increase in capacity for Mumbai and the larger Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Navi Mumbai plays a crucial role in our dual-airport strategy, complementing our existing services from CSMIA, where we fly directly to 11 domestic and three international destinations,” commented Aloke Singh, Managing Director of Air India Express.
He added that the airline plans to expand its operations, aiming to provide travelers with dependable, value-oriented connectivity, all delivered with the warmth of Indian hospitality, supported by a modern fleet.
NMIA is India’s latest Greenfield airport. Initially, NMIA will operate for 12 hours each day—from 08:00 hours to 20:00 hours—managing 23 scheduled daily departures.
During this launch month, the airport anticipates handling up to 10 flight movements per hour. Passengers will enjoy connections to 16 major domestic destinations through services provided by IndiGo, Air India Express, and Akasa Air.
By February 2026, the airport will shift to round-the-clock operations, increasing to 34 daily departures to accommodate the growing demands of the MMR.
NMIA operates as a public-private partnership (PPP), involving Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL), a subsidiary of Adani Airports Holdings Limited (AAHL), which holds a 74% stake, while the City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra Limited (CIDCO) holds the remaining 26%.
Point of View
The commencement of flights from Navi Mumbai International Airport represents a crucial advancement in India's aviation infrastructure, catering to the growing demands of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. This initiative not only enhances connectivity but also supports economic growth in the region, reflecting a commitment to modernizing travel experiences in India.
NationPress
11 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What cities are connected by Air India Express from NMIA?
Air India Express currently operates direct flights from Navi Mumbai International Airport to Bengaluru and Delhi.
When will NMIA operate full-time?
Navi Mumbai International Airport is set to transition to round-the-clock operations starting February 2026.
What is the significance of NMIA?
Navi Mumbai International Airport is a key development in enhancing the capacity and connectivity of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
What is the initial operational capacity of NMIA?
Initially, NMIA will operate for 12 hours daily, with up to 23 scheduled departures and 10 flight movements per hour.
