Image Source: Deccan Herald
The much-anticipated Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is set to launch commercial operations by the end of this month, marking a new era for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region’s air connectivity. On September 23, 2025, the Air India group announced its initial flight operations from NMIA through its low-cost carrier, Air India Express, commencing with 20 daily departures connecting 15 Indian cities. This milestone is a critical step towards easing congestion at Mumbai’s existing airport and positioning Mumbai among world cities with multiple airports.
Key Highlights of Air India Group’s NMIA Operations
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Initial operations will feature 20 daily departures or 40 Air Traffic Movements, serving 15 domestic cities.
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Plans to scale up to 55 daily departures (110 ATMs) by mid-2026, including up to five international flights daily.
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By winter 2026, the group intends to operate 60 daily departures (120 ATMs), augmenting seamless connectivity domestically and globally.
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NMIA is developed as a joint venture with Adani Airport Holdings (74% stake) and Maharashtra’s CIDCO (26% stake).
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The airport’s design is inspired by a lotus flower, emphasizing sustainability and futuristic infrastructure.
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This development is part of a five-phase project expected to ultimately serve 90 million passengers and handle 3.2 million tonnes of cargo annually.
Navi Mumbai Airport: A Strategic Gamechanger
Navi Mumbai International Airport is being built to alleviate the severe capacity constraints faced by the existing Mumbai airport, creating a twin-airport system. The new airport will become a critical transit hub for both passengers and cargo, thanks to its strategic geographic location on India's west coast. It will serve the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and western India, providing enhanced options and efficiency for travelers and freight operators alike.
Air India Group’s Vision and Ambitions
Campbell Wilson, CEO and Managing Director of Air India, expressed pride in spearheading operations at NMIA, emphasizing the significance of Mumbai joining a league of global cities with dual airports. The group’s commitment extends beyond domestic links to creating a global transit center that bridges western and eastern routes, supporting India’s aspiration as a global aviation hub. The Air India Group’s phased expansion plan demonstrates a clear growth trajectory, aiming to incrementally increase flight frequency and extend international connectivity.
Collaboration with Adani Airport Holdings
Adani Airport Holdings CEO Arun Bansal highlighted the synergy between Air India’s expansion goals and Adani’s vision to make NMIA a global benchmark in aviation. The partnership underscores the emphasis on adopting advanced technologies to enhance operational efficiencies and passenger experience, poised to deliver seamless and superior travel journeys for decades to come.
Initial Flight Network and Future Prospects
In the first phase, Air India Express will connect 15 important cities, significantly boosting regional connectivity. Alongside existing airline commitments from IndiGo and Akasa Air, NMIA is shaping up to become a bustling aviation center. IndiGo plans 18 daily flights to 15+ cities, with future expansions targeting over 140 daily flights including international routes. Akasa Air also plans rapid scaling to 300 domestic and 50 international flights weekly. Together, these developments will redefine Mumbai's air travel landscape and strengthen India’s twin-airport strategy.
In summary, the launch of Air India Express flights from Navi Mumbai International Airport is a landmark development set to transform air travel for Mumbai and western India. With ambitious expansion plans and collaborative efforts by airline and airport operators, NMIA promises to emerge as a world-class aviation hub with enhanced connectivity, operational efficiencies, and passenger convenience.
Source: Indian Express
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