In a big boost for India’s aviation sector, the Air India Group today unveiled an ambitious plan to make Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) its next major hub. Beginning with 20 daily departures connecting 15 cities, the group plans to scale up rapidly to 60 flights per day, including international routes, by Winter 2026.
This announcement marks a historic moment for Mumbai as it joins the ranks of global cities like London, New York and Tokyo with twin airports—a move expected to ease congestion at Mumbai’s existing airport while fuelling economic growth across Western India.
A New Era of Connectivity
Air India Express, the group’s value carrier, will spearhead the initial operations with 40 air traffic movements per day. By mid-2026, the network will expand to 55 daily departures, including five international flights, seamlessly connecting NMIA with key domestic and overseas destinations.
“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 a key global transit hub,” said Campbell Wilson, CEO & MD of Air India.
Adani Airport Holdings Ltd. CEO Arun Bansal added that NMIA’s world-class infrastructure and tech-driven efficiency would “redefine Mumbai’s connectivity landscape” and cement its position as a benchmark in global aviation.
Why This Matters for Passengers
◆Faster connections to Tier-II and Tier-III cities.
◆Direct international flights from Navi Mumbai by 2026.
◆Modern terminals & sustainable infrastructure inspired by the Lotus.
About the Airport
NMIA, operated by Adani Airport Holdings, is being developed in phases to handle 90 million passengers annually upon completion. The first phase alone will manage 20 million passengers per year and 0.5 million metric tonnes of cargo, with two parallel runways and advanced cargo facilities.
India’s Aviation Dream Takes Off
This move aligns with India’s goal to become the world’s third-largest air passenger market by 2030. With Air India’s ongoing fleet expansion, massive aircraft orders, and a five-year transformation program underway, the group is positioning itself as a truly global airline with an Indian heart.
