Air India Expands at Navi Mumbai Airport
The Tata-owned Air India Group has announced plans to commence commercial operations from Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMI) once the airport begins its first operational phase. Operated by Adani Airport Holdings Ltd., NMI will be the second major aviation hub for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
Air India Express to Lead Initial Operations
- Air India Express, the group’s low-cost carrier, will launch 20 daily departures, amounting to 40 Air Traffic Movements (ATMs), linking NMI to 15 Indian cities.
- The airline aims to significantly scale up its operations over the next two years, establishing NMI as a critical base for both domestic and international flights.
Growth Projections and Strategic Goals
By mid-2026, operations are projected to increase to 90 daily departures (180 ATMs), including as many as five international flights. By 2027, daily departures could reach 140 (280 ATMs), further enhancing NMI’s status as a global transit hub.
Air India CEO Campbell Wilson noted that Mumbai will soon become one of the few global cities with two international airports. The group’s focus is on connecting India with East and West, helping elevate India as a major player in the aviation industry.
Arun Bansal, CEO of Adani Airport Holdings, affirmed that Air India’s expansion aligns with NMI’s objective to be a leading figure in global aviation, enhancing India’s dual-airport strategy and Mumbai’s connectivity.
Navi Mumbai Airport Capacity and Development
The development of Navi Mumbai International Airport is divided into five phases. Initially, the airport will handle 20 million passengers annually and manage 0.5 million metric tons of cargo. Once fully operational, it will accommodate 90 million passengers per annum (MPPA) and process 3.2 million metric tons (MMT) of cargo.
- The airport, spanning over 1,160 hectares, will feature two parallel runways, modern terminal infrastructure, and advanced cargo facilities.
- Inspired by the lotus, India’s national flower, the design emphasizes sustainability through renewable energy use and eco-friendly construction practices.
Air India Group’s Transformation
Air India and Air India Express are undergoing a comprehensive transformation program called Vihaan.AI. Since rejoining Tata Sons in 2022, the group has launched initiatives such as a substantial fleet renewal with 570 new aircraft orders, the merger of Vistara and AirAsia India, and the establishment of new aviation training and maintenance hubs.
Currently, the group operates over 300 aircraft serving 55 domestic and 45 international destinations, employing more than 30,000 people. Air India aspires to become a world-class airline, retaining its Indian essence.
NMI’s Role in Enhancing Global Connectivity
Designed to alleviate congestion at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM), Navi Mumbai International Airport is also poised to be a hub for international transit. With its integration of technology and passenger-focused design, the airport supports India’s ambition of becoming the third-largest aviation market globally by 2030.
With Air India as a pivotal airline, NMI is set to reshape the Western Indian aviation landscape, expanding opportunities for passengers and cargo operators alike.
