Air India Express Adds Navi Mumbai–Abu Dhabi Flights from July 2026

Air India Express has opened bookings for direct flights between Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMI) and Abu Dhabi (AUH), with services scheduled to begin on 15 July 2026. For travelers in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, the route creates a new international option from Navi Mumbai rather than requiring every UAE-bound trip to start at Mumbai’s existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.

The launch is particularly relevant for travelers based in or near Navi Mumbai, Panvel, Thane and the eastern side of the Mumbai region, as well as UAE residents planning trips to Maharashtra. It also matters for visitors arriving in India via Abu Dhabi who want easier access to Navi Mumbai and nearby areas.

Route and frequency

According to the Air India Express announcement, the Navi Mumbai–Abu Dhabi service is planned to start with two weekly flights from 15 July 2026 and increase to three weekly flights from 29 July 2026.

• Route: Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMI) – Abu Dhabi (AUH)
• Start date: 15 July 2026
• Initial frequency: Wednesday and Friday
• Expanded frequency: Wednesday, Friday and Sunday from 29 July 2026
• Planned Navi Mumbai departure: 02:55, arriving Abu Dhabi at 04:35
• Planned Abu Dhabi departure: 05:45, arriving Navi Mumbai at 10:20

All times in the published schedule are local. As with any newly launched route, travelers should confirm the latest schedule, terminal details and baggage allowance directly with the airline before booking or departing for the airport.

Why this matters for travelers

Navi Mumbai International Airport is being developed as Mumbai’s second major airport, with the airport operator positioning it as a gateway for the wider Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Air India Group had previously said its Navi Mumbai rollout would be led initially by Air India Express, with domestic services first and international departures planned by mid-2026.

The Abu Dhabi service gives travelers another way to reach the UAE, alongside existing flights from Mumbai’s main airport. It may reduce surface travel time for passengers staying east of Mumbai or around Navi Mumbai, but it will not automatically be more convenient for everyone. Travelers staying in South Mumbai or the western suburbs should compare total door-to-door journey time to NMI versus BOM before choosing an airport.

Getting to Navi Mumbai airport

Navi Mumbai International Airport is located in the Ulwe/Panvel area of Navi Mumbai. The airport’s transport information lists taxi and car-rental services, app-based cabs, buses, and rail access via nearby suburban stations, with Panvel and Bamandongri described as expected access points for Mumbai Suburban Railway connections.

For international departures, the airport passenger guidance recommends arriving well ahead of the flight. Travelers should allow extra time while the new airport and its access routes settle into regular operations, especially for early-morning departures such as the scheduled 02:55 Navi Mumbai–Abu Dhabi flight.

What travelers should check before booking

• Search using the airport code NMI for Navi Mumbai, not BOM for Mumbai’s existing airport.
• Confirm the route frequency and operating days on the airline’s booking page before paying.
• Check whether your fare includes checked baggage, meals or seat selection, as low-cost carrier inclusions can vary.
• Verify UAE visa or entry requirements for your nationality before departure.
• Check live flight status and ground transport options close to travel day, especially during the first weeks of operation.

The route is a practical addition for India–UAE travel, but travelers should treat early schedules as subject to operational adjustment until the service is established.