The Air India Group has announced its operational roadmap for the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), saying its low-cost arm, Air India Express, will begin commercial services from the new facility in the first phase of operations. The announcement was made through an official press release on Friday.
Initial launch plan
Air India Express will operate 20 daily departures – translating into 40 air traffic movements (ATMs) to more than 15 Indian cities in the initial phase. The airline said this expansion aligns with its strategy to enhance domestic and international connectivity, in step with India’s ambition to become the world’s third-largest air passenger market by 2030.
International routes by mid-2026
The group plans to scale up to 55 daily departures (110 ATMs) by mid-2026, including five international services. By the winter schedule of 2026, operations are expected to grow to 60 daily departures (120 ATMs), making NMIA a key hub for both domestic and global routes.
Building a second aviation hub for Mumbai
Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Air India, said the move would help position Mumbai among the world’s select 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 passengers and cargo, given its strategic geographical location,” Wilson said in the statement.
Arun Bansal, Chief Executive Officer of Adani Airport Holdings Ltd., welcomed Air India’s commitment. He said the airline’s expansion plans and global outlook were aligned with the company’s vision of making NMIA a benchmark in international aviation.
“This partnership will redefine Mumbai’s connectivity landscape and strengthen India’s twin-airport strategy,” Bansal said, adding that technology-led operations at NMIA would enhance efficiency and passenger experience.
Passenger and cargo capacity
The Navi Mumbai airport, being developed in five phases, is projected to accommodate 20 million passengers annually and handle half a million metric tonnes of cargo in its launch phase. On full completion, the airport will have the capacity to serve 90 million passengers and handle 3.2 million tonnes of cargo each year, positioning it among India’s largest aviation hubs.
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