By Kavita Mistry 
Air India Group has unveiled a comprehensive plan to commence commercial flights from Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), operated by Adani Airport Holdings Ltd., as part of the airport’s first phase of operations. The initiative underscores the Group’s focus on strengthening domestic and international connectivity while supporting India’s ambition to become the world’s third-largest air passenger market by 2030.
In the initial phase, Air India Express will operate 20 daily departures, equivalent to 40 Air Traffic Movements (ATMs), linking NMIA to more than 15 cities across India. By mid-2026, operations are expected to scale up to 55 daily departures (110 ATMs), including five international flights. By Winter 2026, the Group aims to further expand to 60 daily departures (120 ATMs), creating seamless access to both domestic and global destinations.
Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Air India, 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.”
Arun Bansal, Chief Executive Officer, Adani Airport Holdings Ltd., 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.”
The planned operations of Air India Express at NMIA will enhance connectivity for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) and create seamless international transit options. The airport, being developed in five phases, will initially accommodate 20 million passengers per annum (MPPA) and 0.5 million metric tons (MMT) of cargo. Upon full completion, NMIA will have the capacity to serve 90 MPPA and handle 3.2 MMT of cargo annually.
