Navi Mumbai International Airport Starts International Operations

Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) commenced scheduled international operations on 15 July 2026. Air India Express launched the first international service from NMIA with a direct flight to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.

Navi Mumbai International Airport

NMIA is an airport in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and functions as the second international gateway for the region after Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. The airport began domestic operations on 25 December 2025, less than 200 days before the start of international services.

International Connectivity and Operations

The Air India Express service between NMIA and Abu Dhabi operates three times a week. The inaugural international flight also carried the airport’s first global perishable export shipment, which is part of cargo handling at the airport.

Ownership, Traffic and Network

Adani Airport Holdings Ltd. manages NMIA in a joint venture with CIDCO. Adani Airport Holdings Ltd. is India’s largest private airport operator, and with NMIA’s international launch, all airports in its portfolio are internationally connected. Since the start of domestic operations, NMIA has connected 46 domestic destinations, handled more than 2.3 million passengers, and managed about 150 air traffic movements daily as of July 2026.

Important Facts for Exams

• Air India Express is a low-cost carrier and a subsidiary of Air India.
• Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates.
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport serves Mumbai and is one of India’s busiest airports.
• CIDCO stands for City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra Limited.

Airport Classification

NMIA is a greenfield airport project in Maharashtra. International operations at an airport include scheduled passenger services, cargo movement, and customs and immigration facilities.