New Delhi: The Air India group has announced its strategic expansion into Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), operated by Adani Airport Holdings Ltd., with commercial flights set to begin during the airport’s first phase of operations.
This move marks a significant milestone in India’s aviation landscape, reinforcing Air India’s commitment to enhancing domestic and international connectivity. It aligns with the country’s ambition to become the world’s third-largest air passenger market by 2030.
In the initial phase, Air India Express—Air India group’s value carrier—will operate 20 daily departures, totaling 40 Air Traffic Movements (ATMs), connecting NMIA to 15 Indian cities. The group plans to scale up to 55 daily departures (110 ATMs) by mid-2026, including up to five daily international flights. By Winter 2026, operations are expected to expand to 60 daily departures (120 ATMs), offering seamless access to key domestic and global destinations.
Campbell Wilson, CEO & MD of Air India, stated, “We look forward to commencing operations at Navi Mumbai International Airport, as Mumbai joins the league of world cities with more than one airport. Our expansion at NMIA will support India’s growth as a global aviation hub.”
Arun Bansal, CEO of Adani Airport Holdings Ltd., added, “We are delighted to welcome Air India Group to NMIA. Their ambitious plans align perfectly with our vision of making NMIA a benchmark in global aviation.”
The partnership is expected to significantly boost connectivity across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), while positioning NMIA as a key transit hub for both passengers and cargo. The airport’s launch phase will accommodate 20 million passengers per annum (MPPA) and handle 0.5 million metric tons (MMT) of cargo. Upon full completion, NMIA will have the capacity to serve 90 MPPA and manage 3.2 MMT of cargo annually.
This development strengthens India’s twin-airport strategy and underscores the role of technology in delivering efficient, world-class passenger experiences
