Navi Mumbai Airport opens international service to Abu Dhabi

The first scheduled international flight from Navi Mumbai International Airport departed for Abu Dhabi early on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, marking a major expansion of aviation capacity for India's financial capital. Operated by Air India Express, the inaugural flight carried approximately 100 passengers and the airport's first global perishable export shipment, establishing the new facility as a dual passenger and cargo gateway.

The flight, which landed in the United Arab Emirates capital after a journey of roughly two and a half hours, initiates a thrice-weekly service between the two cities. The launch comes less than seven months after the airport began domestic operations on December 25, 2025. Officials described the milestone as the start of a new phase for the airport, which is being developed as the Mumbai Metropolitan Region's second international gateway alongside the existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.

Arun Bansal, Chief Executive Officer of Adani Airport Holdings Ltd (AAHL), thanked state and central government agencies and stakeholders for their support in achieving this milestone. He stated that the focus remains on delivering seamless...