Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) has marked a significant milestone by commencing its first scheduled international operations, with Air India Express launching direct flights between Navi Mumbai and Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The new service, operating three times a week, is NMIA’s first scheduled international route and comes less than 200 days after the airport began domestic operations on 25 December 2025. With this launch, every airport managed by Adani Airport Holdings Ltd. (AAHL) now offers international connectivity.
The Abu Dhabi service provides travellers across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) with a convenient new international gateway while reinforcing NMIA’s role as the region’s second international airport.
Commenting on the development, Arun Bansal, CEO of Adani Airport Holdings Ltd., said the launch marks the beginning of a new phase in NMIA’s growth. He acknowledged the support of central and state government agencies, stakeholders, and Air India Express in making the airport’s first international route a reality. He added that AAHL remains focused on expanding its international network, enhancing passenger experience, and establishing Navi Mumbai as a preferred gateway for global travel.
Nipun Aggarwal, Chairman of Air India Express, described the launch as an important step in the airline’s dual-airport strategy for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. He said the direct Abu Dhabi service offers travellers an additional convenient option while strengthening connectivity through the airline’s partnership with Navi Mumbai International Airport.
Since commencing domestic operations, NMIA has connected 46 domestic destinations, handled more than 2.3 million passengers, and currently manages around 150 aircraft movements daily.
The inaugural international flight also carried the airport’s first global perishable export shipment, marking the start of international cargo operations and further strengthening NMIA’s contribution to India’s export ecosystem.
The Abu Dhabi route is expected to be the first of several international services as Navi Mumbai International Airport continues to expand its airline partnerships and global destination network.
