Air India Express will launch the first international flight from Navi Mumbai International Airport on 15 July, marking a significant milestone for Maharashtra’s newest aviation gateway and expanding travel options between India and the United Arab Emirates.
According to Air India Express, the carrier will begin direct services between Navi Mumbai and Abu Dhabi, providing passengers in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region with an additional route to the UAE capital while offering Indian expatriates in the Emirates another gateway to western India.
The launch represents an important step in the gradual expansion of operations at Navi Mumbai International Airport, which is expected to complement Mumbai’s existing aviation infrastructure and support growing passenger demand in one of India’s busiest travel markets.
Air India Express said the Navi Mumbai-Abu Dhabi service will commence with two weekly flights, operating on Wednesdays and Fridays from 15 July.
The airline plans to increase frequency from 29 July, when Sunday services will be added, taking the route to three flights per week.
The new service will make Abu Dhabi the first international destination served from Navi Mumbai International Airport.
Key route details include:
• Direct flights between Navi Mumbai and Abu Dhabi starting 15 July
• Initial frequency of two weekly flights on Wednesdays and Fridays
• Expansion to three weekly services from 29 July with Sunday operations
• First international route to operate from Navi Mumbai International Airport
The announcement was reported by Gulf News, citing Air India Express.
Navi Mumbai International Airport has been developed as an additional aviation gateway for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region alongside Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.
The new airport is expected to ease pressure on Mumbai’s existing aviation infrastructure while supporting future growth in passenger traffic.
With the launch of the Abu Dhabi route, Air India Express said it will operate 30 weekly flights from Navi Mumbai, connecting the airport directly with:
• Abu Dhabi
• Bengaluru
• Delhi
The carrier's growing presence positions Navi Mumbai as an emerging hub within its domestic and international network strategy.
The Abu Dhabi service forms part of Air India Express’ broader expansion across Maharashtra, one of the airline’s most important operating regions.
According to the airline, its Maharashtra network currently includes:
• More than 95 weekly flights from Mumbai
• More than 100 weekly flights from Pune
• 14 weekly flights from Nagpur
• 30 weekly flights from Navi Mumbai following the Abu Dhabi launch
The figures highlight the scale of the carrier’s operations across the state as it continues to strengthen regional and international connectivity.
The UAE remains one of the most important international aviation markets for Indian carriers, supported by strong business, tourism and expatriate travel demand.
Air India Express already connects multiple Indian cities with destinations across West Asia, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
The addition of the Navi Mumbai-Abu Dhabi route expands those links while creating a new international gateway for travellers in the Mumbai region.
As Navi Mumbai International Airport gradually scales up operations, additional domestic and international services are expected to play a key role in shaping its position within India's fast-growing aviation sector.
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