Adani Airports Holdings Ltd (AAHL) said the launch is the result of coordinated efforts by government agencies, aviation regulators, airline partners and airport stakeholders in establishing NMIA as the Mumbai Metropolitan Region's second international gateway. The commencement of international operations represents a significant milestone in the airport's expansion and its growing role in India's aviation network.
The inaugural international flight also carried NMIA's first international perishable export shipment, creating a new gateway for high-value, time-sensitive cargo. According to AAHL, the development is expected to improve international market access for Indian exporters while strengthening the airport's expanding cargo capabilities.
Commenting on the achievement, AAHL Chief Executive Officer Arun Bansal said the launch of the first scheduled international flight marks the beginning of a new phase in Navi Mumbai International Airport's journey. He thanked all state and central government agencies and stakeholders for their invaluable support in achieving the milestone and appreciated Air India Express for partnering with the airport on its first international route.
NMIA currently handles around 150 air traffic movements every day and provides connectivity to 46 domestic destinations. The addition of international services is expected to further strengthen the airport's role in meeting the aviation requirements of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and western India. Bansal added that as the airport expands its network through additional airline partnerships and new destinations, its focus will remain on delivering seamless operations while strengthening Navi Mumbai's position as a preferred gateway for international travel.
AAHL stated that the Abu Dhabi service is the first of several international routes planned from NMIA. As the airport continues to expand its airline partnerships and destination network, it is expected to play an increasingly important role in enhancing Mumbai's aviation capacity while supporting India's growing international connectivity, trade and tourism.
Air India Express Chairman Nipun Aggarwal said the airline is delighted to launch international operations from Navi Mumbai with direct flights to Abu Dhabi, creating a convenient new gateway to the United Arab Emirates for travellers from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. He described Navi Mumbai as a key pillar of the airline's dual-airport strategy, complementing its operations from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. Aggarwal also expressed appreciation for the partnership with Navi Mumbai International Airport and said the airline looks forward to strengthening connectivity through continued collaboration.
Navi Mumbai International Airport is a joint venture between the Adani Group and the Maharashtra government's City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO).
The Adani Group currently operates eight airports through Adani Airports Holdings Ltd, including Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, Thiruvananthapuram, Guwahati and Mangaluru. With the launch of international services from Navi Mumbai, all eight airports in the company's portfolio now operate both domestic and international flights, marking a significant expansion of its aviation network and reinforcing India's growing position in global air connectivity, trade and tourism.
About The Author
.jpg)
Comment List