INDIA. Air India Group has confirmed plans to launch commercial flights from Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) when the much-anticipated Adani Airport Holdings-owned hub opens its initial phase on 30 September.
The partnership is set to expand the airline company’s domestic and international networks, while contributing to India’s emergence as the world’s third-largest air passenger market by 2030.
Air India group’s value carrier, Air India Express will be one of the first airline at the airport, operating 20 daily flights or 40 aircraft movements to 15 destinations across India.
The airline company noted its plans to expand to 55 daily departures (110 aircraft movements), including five daily international services from the airport.
Looking ahead, the group intends to scale up to 60 daily departures (120 aircraft movements) from Navi Mumbai by Winter 2026 to serve a wider network of domestic and international routes.
Air India CEO and Managing Director Campbell Wilson said: “We look forward to commencing operations at Navi Mumbai International Airport, as Mumbai joins the league of world cities with more than one airport.
“We are happy to work with Adani Airports to build NMIA not only as a point that connects to the rest of India, but also as one of the country’s key global transit hubs for both – passengers and cargo – given its strategic geographical location.
“At the Air India group, we are proud to lead the charge in connecting the West to the East and beyond via India, and our expansion at NMIA will support India’s growth as a global aviation hub.”
Adani Airport Holdings Ltd. CEO Arun Bansal added: “We are delighted to welcome Air India Group to Navi Mumbai International Airport as one of our valued airline partners. Their ambitious expansion plans and global vision are perfectly aligned with our aim of making NMIA a benchmark in global aviation.
“This partnership will redefine Mumbai’s connectivity landscape and strengthen India’s twin-airport strategy, NMIA’s adoption of technology for enhancing efficiency and best-in-class experience for passengers will play a pivotal role in delivering seamless and superior passenger journeys for decades to come.”
Air India Express’ planned operations at the airport are expected to play a key role in enhancing links between the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and domestic as well as international markets, while improving transit options for global passengers.
The airport’s first phase is designed to handle 20 million passengers annually, with capacity expected to rise to 90 million a year upon completion of its five-phase development. ✈
