Air India Express Takes Flight from Navi Mumbai International Airport: A Major Milestone for Mumbai’s Aviation Growth

Published on December 26, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

In a groundbreaking move for Mumbai’s aviation sector, Air India Express has commenced operations from the newly inaugurated Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA). The airline’s decision to begin services on the very day NMIA opened its doors to the public is a testament to the airport’s strategic importance for the city’s evolving infrastructure. As one of the first carriers to begin commercial operations from NMIA, Air India Express is playing a vital role in enhancing Mumbai’s air connectivity and supporting the region’s long-term growth.

The first Air India Express flight from NMIA departed for Bengaluru, marking a historic milestone for the airline and the new airport. This was followed by the airline’s inaugural flight to Delhi, reinforcing NMIA’s role as a key aviation gateway for both domestic and international travellers.

Air India Express’ Operations: Strengthening Mumbai’s Dual-Airport Strategy

Air India Express’ launch of daily flights to Bengaluru and Delhi from NMIA is a significant development in Mumbai’s aviation ecosystem. The airline’s presence at NMIA complements its operations at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), Mumbai’s primary international airport. By serving both airports, Air India Express is enhancing its connectivity across India, providing passengers with more choices and flexibility when flying to and from Mumbai.

Effective from December 25, 2025, Air India Express will operate daily services to Bengaluru and five weekly flights to Delhi. The airline has also announced plans to increase the frequency of its flights from NMIA starting January 1, 2026. From that date, Air India Express will offer twice-daily flights to Bengaluru and additional services to Delhi, reflecting the growing demand for air travel from this new airport.

A Modern Experience with Air India Express

As one of India’s premier low-cost carriers, Air India Express has built a reputation for offering affordable travel options with excellent service. The airline’s commitment to enhancing the passenger experience is evident in its newly upgraded cabin on its Boeing 737-8 aircraft. The refreshed cabins feature superior padding, wider armrests, and best-in-class legroom ranging from 29 to 38 inches. Passengers will also enjoy the convenience of in-seat USB charging ports, ovens serving hot gourmet meals, and advanced mood lighting that creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere throughout the flight.

Air India Express’ focus on passenger comfort extends beyond its aircraft interiors. The airline has also embraced India’s diverse cultural heritage through its ‘Tales of India’ initiative. This initiative features distinctive tail art inspired by regional crafts and traditions, including the Warli painting from Maharashtra and the Himroo and Paithani weaves. These artistic touches showcase the airline’s commitment to celebrating India’s rich cultural diversity.

A Historic Moment for Navi Mumbai International Airport

The commencement of Air India Express’ operations at NMIA is not just a significant milestone for the airline but also a momentous occasion for the entire city of Mumbai. With the opening of NMIA, Mumbai becomes one of the few cities in the world to have two operational international airports, significantly boosting its aviation capacity. The launch of commercial flights from NMIA by Air India Express is the first step toward establishing the airport as a key player in the region’s air travel market.

The new airport is designed to cater to the growing demand for air travel in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), offering state-of-the-art facilities and a seamless travel experience for passengers. With its modern infrastructure, NMIA is set to play a critical role in reducing congestion at CSMIA, helping Mumbai maintain its position as a global aviation hub.

Air India Express: Driving Growth and Connectivity Across India

Aloke Singh, Managing Director of Air India Express, highlighted the significance of the airline’s operations from NMIA, saying, “The start of flights from Navi Mumbai is a milestone for the city and the region. We are happy to be part of this effort in enhancing capacity for Mumbai and the wider Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Navi Mumbai is a key pillar of our dual-airport strategy, complementing our services from CSMIA, where we operate direct flights to 11 domestic and three international destinations.”

The airline’s decision to expand its presence at NMIA further strengthens Mumbai’s position as a key aviation hub in India. With over 130 weekly flights from Mumbai and around 105 weekly flights from Pune, Air India Express is making significant strides in enhancing connectivity between Maharashtra and major cities across the country.

Air India Express’ Future Expansion Plans at NMIA

Looking ahead, Air India Express plans to scale up its operations at NMIA, offering even more flight options for passengers. The airline’s growth at NMIA will include increasing the frequency of flights to key destinations and expanding its reach to other cities across India. This expansion reflects the airline’s confidence in the potential of NMIA and its role in driving Mumbai’s growth on the global aviation stage.

The airline’s ability to quickly adapt and grow its operations at NMIA showcases the increasing demand for air travel in the region and the airport’s ability to accommodate that demand. As NMIA continues to grow, Air India Express will play a central role in ensuring that passengers have access to reliable, affordable, and high-quality air travel options.

Strengthening Maharashtra’s Aviation Hub

Air India Express’ presence at NMIA further strengthens Maharashtra’s position as a leading aviation hub in India. The airline’s growing network from both Mumbai and Pune is contributing to the development of Maharashtra’s air connectivity, providing crucial links to major domestic and international destinations. As the demand for air travel continues to rise, Air India Express will play an essential role in meeting this demand, supporting the region’s economic growth, and fostering greater connectivity between Maharashtra and the rest of India.

The airline’s expansion into NMIA also reflects a broader trend in India’s aviation sector, where airports are being developed to meet the increasing demand for air travel. NMIA is a key component of this strategy, offering passengers an alternative to Mumbai’s already congested international airport while ensuring that the region remains at the forefront of global air travel.

Air India Express: A Symbol of India’s Aviation Future

The inauguration of Air India Express services from NMIA is just the beginning of what promises to be a period of rapid growth and transformation for Mumbai’s aviation industry. As the airline continues to expand its operations, NMIA will play a central role in shaping the future of air travel in the region. The airline’s commitment to delivering affordable, value-driven travel options, along with its focus on enhancing passenger experience, will ensure that Air India Express remains a leading player in India’s competitive aviation market.

As NMIA continues to evolve, the airline will be a key partner in driving growth, connectivity, and innovation in Mumbai’s aviation sector. The future of air travel in Mumbai looks brighter than ever, with Air India Express leading the way in providing passengers with greater choice, convenience, and comfort.