Air India Express on Wednesday became the first airline to operate an international flight from the airport, connecting Navi Mumbai directly with Abu Dhabi through a thrice-weekly service. The launch marks the beginning of international operations at India’s newest greenfield airport and establishes Mumbai’s second international gateway.
The Abu Dhabi service is significant for more than one reason. Gulf destinations have traditionally been among the first international markets that Indian airlines target while expanding overseas operations, because of strong business, labour and leisure demand. By choosing Abu Dhabi as its first overseas destination, Navi Mumbai Airport is tapping into one of the busiest international travel corridors for Indian passengers.
“The launch of our first scheduled international flight marks the beginning of a new phase in Navi Mumbai International Airport’s journey,” said Arun Bansal, Chief Executive Officer of Adani Airport Holdings Ltd. (AAHL). “As we expand our network with more airline partners and destinations, our focus remains on delivering seamless operations and a world-class travel experience while strengthening Navi Mumbai’s position as a preferred gateway for international travel.”
For Air India Express, the launch is part of its dual-airport strategy for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
“We are delighted to launch international operations from Navi Mumbai with direct flights to Abu Dhabi, creating a convenient new gateway to the UAE for travellers from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region,” said Nipun Aggarwal, Chairman of Air India Express.
Since opening in December last year, NMIA has connected 46 domestic destinations, handled more than 2.3 million passengers and now manages around 150 aircraft movements every day.
The inaugural international flight is also carrying the airport’s first global perishable export shipment, marking the start of international cargo operations and opening a new gateway for time-sensitive exports.
Local connectivity to Navi Mumbai airport remains a challenge
While the airport has rapidly expanded its aviation network, passengers continue to face challenges reaching it.
Several planned road and public transport connectivity projects are still under development, leaving many travellers dependent on private vehicles and app-based taxis. Depending on where passengers are travelling from within Mumbai, cab fares to the airport can be significantly higher than those to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, making last-mile connectivity one of the biggest issues that authorities will need to address as passenger traffic grows.
Improving access to the airport is expected to become increasingly important as more airlines launch services and passenger numbers rise.
What’s next for Navi Mumbai airport?
The launch of the Abu Dhabi flight is expected to be the first of several international routes from Navi Mumbai. However, the next phase of the airport’s growth will be closely watched.
With geopolitical uncertainty continuing in parts of West Asia, the pace at which airlines add new Gulf destinations will remain under focus. Industry observers will also be watching which international destination joins the network next, how quickly other Indian carriers begin operating overseas services from Navi Mumbai, and when foreign airlines decide to establish operations from the airport.
Those decisions will ultimately determine how quickly Navi Mumbai International Airport evolves from a new airport into a major international hub for western India.
Read more: Funding the fundamentals: What airlines are getting wrong
