Air India Express to launch first international flight from Navi Mumbai airport on July 15

Navi Mumbai International Airport

[popcorn number=" JULY 29" desc=" Day from when the service will also operate on Sundays " class="Default"]

Air India Express announced that it will operate the first international flight from Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) from July 15. The airline will launch services between Abu Dhabi and Navi Mumbai. The first inbound flight will land at NMIA at 10.20 am, while the outbound flight will depart at 2.55 am every Wednesday and Friday. From July 29, the service will also operate on Sundays.

Route launch

Avantika Biswas, a resident of Kharghar

Announcing the route, the airline said, "The new route provides travellers across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region with a second gateway to the UAE, enhancing accessibility, convenience, and travel choice." Bookings for the flights have already opened. The initial schedule is expected to help the airport gradually ease into international operations while handling a growing number of passengers.

Fare benefit

The service is also expected to benefit Navi Mumbai residents, who currently spend time and money travelling to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport for international flights.

According to air ticket aggregator prices, fares on the inaugural July 15 Air India Express flight from Mumbai airport are currently priced at Rs 14,996, while the same flight from NMIA is available for Rs 12,521.

Local relief

Sashank Jajala, a frequent flyer. Pics/By Special Arrangement

Speaking to mid-day, Navi Mumbai residents welcomed the launch of international services. "I've lost count of the early mornings spent battling traffic to reach the other end of the city just to catch a flight.

So, to stand here as a Navi Mumbai resident and say that the world now takes off from my own neighbourhood genuinely fills me with joy," said frequent flyer Sashank Jajala.

Avantika Biswas, a resident of Kharghar, said, "The hassle of mental math on how soon to leave has always been an issue for my family and me. I have travelled domestically from NMIA, and it was a very good experience."

She added, "If I have to travel internationally, I don't have to pre-plan as much as I would while travelling from the Mumbai airport. I am just waiting for more airlines to provide more destinations."

July 29
Day from when the service will also operate on Sundays