The Air India Group will soon commence flights from the new Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), making Mumbai one of the few cities in the world served by two major airports. The launch of services from NMIA is a strategic move for both airlines and passengers.
Air India CEO Campbell Wilson highlighted the importance of this expansion, saying, “We look forward to commencing operations at Navi Mumbai International Airport, as Mumbai joins the league of world cities with more than one airport.”
Opening of Navi Mumbai International Airport
The first phase of NMIA, developed by Adani Airport Holdings Ltd, will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 30, 2025. The much-anticipated launch of Navi Mumbai International Airport will be followed by commercial services a few months later, once the airport’s facilities are ready.
Mumbai’s existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport is already near capacity, and NMIA is designed to ease that pressure. In its first phase, it can handle 20 million passengers annually and 0.5 million metric tonnes of cargo.
Once fully developed across five phases, it could accommodate 90 million passengers and 3.2 million metric tonnes of cargo each year.
Photo from NMIA
Air India’s Flight Plans from Navi Mumbai
Air India’s low-cost arm, Air India Express, will lead the initial rollout of commercial flights from NMIA. The group plans 20 daily departures connecting Navi Mumbai to 15 Indian cities, equal to 40 Air Traffic Movements (ATMs).
By mid-2026, services are expected to grow to 55 daily departures, including up to five international flights. By the winter of 2026, the number will rise to 60 daily departures, further expanding new airport flight routes to India and boosting international connectivity.
Why This Matters for Travelers
Arun Bansal, CEO of Adani Airport Holdings, welcomed Air India’s entr as one of their valued airline partners. Bansal also noted that NMIA will use advanced technology and efficiency to ensure “seamless and superior journeys.”
For the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, the second airport is expected to be a transformative development. It will reduce congestion, improve flight options, and create new opportunities for tourism and trade.
With its strategic location and modern design, NMIA is set to emerge as a key hub in India’s aviation growth story. Travelers following Navi Mumbai updates or new Air India flight routes can expect better connectivity, smoother journeys, and expanded global access.
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*Banner photo from NMIA
