Air India Express to launch Abu Dhabi flights from NMIA on July 15

Air India Express will begin daily Boeing 737-8 MAX flights between Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) and Abu Dhabi beginning July 15, making it one of the first carriers to launch international passenger operations from the new airport. The outbound service will operate as IX205, with the return leg scheduled as IX206. The start of the Abu Dhabi route coincides with NMIA's target date to commence international passenger and cargo operations.

Direct quote

"On 15th July we are starting with freighters and we expect the freighters to ramp up to almost 18 weekly flights," NMIA Chairman Captain BVJK Sharma said, adding that "hopefully on 15th July international passenger flights will also start."

Context and details

The new Abu Dhabi service will complement Air India Express' existing domestic operations from NMIA, where the airline already serves Delhi and Bengaluru. The carrier continues to operate flights to Abu Dhabi from Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) as well, meaning the NMIA link represents an additional option for passengers in the Mumbai metropolitan region.

• Service type: daily passenger flights
• Aircraft: Boeing 737-8 MAX
• Flight numbers: IX205 (outbound), IX206 (return)
• Start date: July 15

Industry participants say the opening of international services at NMIA is timed with a broader operational ramp-up. Captain Sharma confirmed plans not only for passenger connectivity but for dedicated cargo freighter services, with an initial ambition to scale freighter operations to around 18 weekly flights. Those cargo services are slated to begin on the same July 15 timeline, subject to final regulatory approvals.

IndiGo is reportedly in discussions to launch international services from NMIA on the same day, underlining carrier interest in using the new airport to expand overseas connectivity. The addition of Air India Express’ Abu Dhabi link places NMIA on the map as an alternate international gateway for the Mumbai region, helping redistribute some international traffic load away from existing hubs.

Outlook

With Air India Express confirming its Abu Dhabi service and other carriers evaluating routes, NMIA is expected to steadily expand its route network in the coming months as it transitions from initial domestic operations to full-scale international and cargo activity. The airport's phased launch—starting with freighter operations and rolling into passenger services—signals a concerted effort to establish both belly-hold and dedicated freighter capacity quickly.

For passengers, the new daily NMIA–Abu Dhabi flights provide an additional direct connection between the Mumbai region and the United Arab Emirates. For airlines and logistics operators, NMIA’s opening for international passenger and cargo operations from July 15 offers alternative slots and ramp capacity at a time when Mumbai remains one of India's busiest aviation markets.