Navi Mumbai Airport Starts International Services, First Flight to Abu Dhabi Departs With Around 100 Passengers

International flights have commenced operations at the Navi Mumbai International Airport today. Air India Express launched the inaugural flight to Abu Dhabi. There were approximately 100 passengers on board? No, carrying “approximately 100 passengers,” ok. The flight departed from the airport at 2:55 AM (IST) and landed at Abu Dhabi Airport, UAE, in approximately two-and-a-half hours.

The Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft was used for the flight. Even before the take-off, the pilot described the journey as historic and significant. Air India Express will operate to Abu Dhabi thrice a week. Passenger Shakir Abid took the inaugural international flight along with his wife and daughter. He stated that he felt happy about it because it would be an unforgettable experience. He and his family will connect through Abu Dhabi to Muscat to celebrate the third birthday of his daughter Safa Abid. This inaugural flight also had the NMIA’s first global export consignment of perishables.

Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) welcomed its first international scheduled flight today as Air India Express flight IX208 from Abu Dhabi landed at 10:20 am. The aircraft was accorded a ceremonial water cannon salute, symbolising the airport’s international debut and… pic.twitter.com/VPZjp5TZ53

expand_more Read More

— ANI (@ANI) July 15, 2026

Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is being developed in multiple phases. It had launched domestic services on December 25, 2025. In less than seven months, NMIA has connected to 46 domestic destinations and served over 2.3 million passengers. It currently handles approximately 150 air traffic movements (ATMs) daily.

Nipun Aggarwal, Chairman of Air India Express, stated in a release issued on Tuesday that Navi Mumbai is a key pillar of their dual-airport strategy. It complements the network of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai. Arun Bansal, CEO of Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL), stated that the launch of the first scheduled international flight marks the beginning of a new phase in the journey of NMIA.

The airport is being developed in multiple phases by NMIAL (Navi Mumbai International Airport Limited), a special purpose vehicle. AAHL holds a 74% stake in NMIAL, while the remaining shareholding is held by CIDCO (City and Industrial Development Corporation). This partnership is facilitating the rapid development of the airport.