Air India Group will progressively shift some of its domestic and West Asia services to Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), beginning with four daily domestic flights operated by Air India Express in December 2026.
The airline plans to introduce services to Kuwait and shift its existing Oman services to NMIA from January 2027. The phased transition is expected to be completed by the International Air Transport Association’s Northern Summer 2027 season.
Six West Asia destinations covered
Air India Express will progressively move services to Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam, Doha, Muscat and Sharjah to NMIA. The transition follows consultations with the airport operator and forms part of a broader plan involving domestic and international airlines.
The move is intended to support the redevelopment of Terminal 1 at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), Mumbai.
Mumbai’s dual-airport system gains momentum
The transition will enable Air India Group to operate from both CSMIA and NMIA, strengthening connectivity across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. It is also intended to preserve the group’s historic operating slots at CSMIA while supporting the airport’s redevelopment.
The phased shift forms part of a wider rebalancing of airline operations between Mumbai’s two airports. It is expected to provide passengers with greater choice and convenience while allowing airlines to plan their operations during the transition.
NMIA prepares for aviation growth
Adani Airport Holdings Ltd (AAHL), the airport operator, welcomed Air India Group’s plans to commence operations from NMIA.
The airport is being developed with advanced technology, multimodal connectivity and scalable infrastructure to accommodate future aviation demand and provide a seamless travel experience.
The transition is expected to support the development of Mumbai’s dual-airport network while strengthening domestic and international connectivity in the region.