India Expands Regional Connectivity with IndiGo’s Launch of Six New ATR Routes from Navi Mumbai International Airport

Published on February 26, 2026

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IndiGo, India’s largest airline by market share, has announced the introduction of six new domestic routes from Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMI), set to launch on March 29, 2026. This strategic move highlights IndiGo’s commitment to expanding its regional network and enhancing connectivity between major cities in India. The new routes will be serviced by the airline’s fleet of ATR 72-600 aircraft, which are ideal for short-haul, regional sectors, enabling IndiGo to efficiently connect Navi Mumbai with several key tier-2 and tier-3 cities.

Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMI), which is emerging as a crucial hub in the Mumbai metropolitan region, will be connected with Ahmedabad, Diu, Goa, Rajkot, Belgaum, and Kolhapur. These daily flights are designed to cater to both business and leisure travelers, with the flexibility of morning, afternoon, and evening departures. IndiGo’s expansion to these cities will significantly reduce travel times, streamline business operations, and promote tourism in these fast-growing regions. With its growing presence in Navi Mumbai, IndiGo aims to reinforce the airport’s role as a secondary gateway for air travel to and from the financial capital of India.

Expanding Connectivity to Key Regional Cities

IndiGo’s expansion plans are designed to offer increased connectivity to key destinations across western India. By introducing six new routes, the airline aims to reduce the distance between the Mumbai metropolitan area and these important regional cities. The inclusion of cities like Ahmedabad, Diu, Goa, Rajkot, Belgaum, and Kolhapur into the airline’s regional network is expected to support greater economic and cultural ties between these regions.

The Ahmedabad route, for example, will feature an evening departure from Navi Mumbai, enhancing business connectivity with Gujarat’s largest city. Similarly, the Goa route will operate twice daily, catering to the region’s robust tourism demand. Goa’s beaches and resorts attract millions of travelers each year, and the addition of a second frequency will provide more flexibility for visitors. The Rajkot, Belgaum, and Kolhapur routes will support early morning and late evening departures, ensuring that passengers can optimize their time for business or leisure purposes.

Enhancing Regional Travel with ATR Aircraft

To cater to these shorter domestic routes, IndiGo will deploy its ATR 72-600 aircraft, which can accommodate up to 78 passengers. This turboprop aircraft is perfectly suited for regional services, where demand is moderate, and the need for quick turnarounds is essential. The ATR aircraft also enables the airline to operate more efficiently on routes with thinner demand, such as those connecting smaller cities with major metropolitan hubs.

By using ATR aircraft, IndiGo can ensure efficient and timely operations while maintaining low operating costs. This, in turn, enables the airline to offer competitive pricing for passengers traveling on regional routes. The decision to deploy this fleet for the new routes also reflects IndiGo’s strategy of maximizing aircraft utilization and maintaining punctuality across its domestic network.

Why Navi Mumbai International Airport Is Crucial for IndiGo

The development of Navi Mumbai International Airport as a secondary gateway for the Mumbai metropolitan region aligns with IndiGo’s broader strategy to expand its regional footprint and improve its presence in smaller cities. By adding these new routes, IndiGo aims to provide travelers with more direct connections to and from Navi Mumbai, reducing the need for connecting flights and offering faster travel options.

Navi Mumbai International Airport is strategically located to serve as a viable alternative to the heavily congested Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai. As the region continues to grow both economically and demographically, NMI is expected to handle a significant share of air traffic, making it a crucial asset for airlines like IndiGo.

The new routes will also foster economic activity by improving access for business professionals, tourists, and students traveling to and from Navi Mumbai. With the launch of these services, IndiGo will not only boost regional tourism but also contribute to the overall growth of the Indian aviation sector.

Promoting Tourism and Economic Growth

IndiGo’s latest regional expansion comes at a time when regional connectivity in India is more critical than ever. Smaller cities are seeing a boom in tourism and business travel, and IndiGo’s decision to serve these routes will help bring more visitors to these regions. Cities like Goa, known for its tourism sector, will see a boost in both inbound and outbound travel. Similarly, destinations like Rajkot and Kolhapur will benefit from improved access to metropolitan hubs like Mumbai.

Furthermore, the added routes are expected to strengthen trade and commerce by making it easier for businesses to operate across various Indian regions. By connecting these growing markets with Mumbai’s business centers, IndiGo will contribute to the economic development of the regions it serves.

IndiGo’s Regional Growth Strategy and Future Prospects

IndiGo has long been committed to expanding its regional presence, offering a robust domestic network that connects over 95 cities in India. With its fleet of more than 400 aircraft and over 2,200 daily flights, the airline is India’s largest by market share. The expansion of regional routes, especially from emerging airports like Navi Mumbai, allows IndiGo to tap into underserved markets while providing more options for its passengers.

This growth strategy is supported by IndiGo’s focus on increasing operational efficiency and maximizing the utilization of its ATR fleet. The airline’s ability to offer flexible and predictable flight schedules ensures that business and leisure travelers alike can rely on consistent services.

Ticket Bookings and Final Approvals

Ticket bookings for all six new destinations are already open on IndiGo’s official website, mobile app, and through authorized travel partners. While the airline is eagerly preparing to launch these services, final approval from regulatory authorities is still pending. As such, travelers are advised to keep checking the airline’s platforms for updates regarding the schedules and regulatory clearance.

IndiGo has expressed confidence that the services will be up and running by the scheduled date of March 29, 2026, offering passengers more convenient travel options between Navi Mumbai and these key regional destinations.

IndiGo’s announcement of six new ATR routes from Navi Mumbai International Airport represents a significant step in expanding regional connectivity and promoting economic and tourism growth in India. By offering daily flights to cities like Ahmedabad, Diu, Goa, Rajkot, Belgaum, and Kolhapur, IndiGo is further cementing its role as a dominant player in India’s aviation sector.

The use of ATR 72-600 aircraft ensures that these routes are served efficiently, making travel between smaller cities and metropolitan hubs quicker and more affordable. As Navi Mumbai International Airport continues to develop, the introduction of these services will further strengthen the airport’s role in India’s expanding aviation network.

IndiGo’s ongoing commitment to connecting regions and supporting economic development through air travel highlights its continued growth in India’s competitive aviation industry.