{"id":146999,"date":"2026-06-21T13:08:00","date_gmt":"2026-06-21T07:38:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/?p=146999"},"modified":"2026-06-21T01:27:26","modified_gmt":"2026-06-20T19:57:26","slug":"air-india-express-launching-navi-mumbai-abu-dhabi-flights","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2026\/06\/21\/air-india-express-launching-navi-mumbai-abu-dhabi-flights\/","title":{"rendered":"Air India Express Launching New Flights from Navi Mumbai to Safest City in the World"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

NAVI MUMBAI-<\/strong> Air India Express (IX)<\/a> is set to become the first airline to operate international services from the greenfield Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMI), with flights to Abu Dhabi (AUH) scheduled to begin on July 15, 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A source indicated that the carrier plans to open bookings for the inaugural overseas flight, marking a key milestone for the Adani Group-operated airport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The low-cost arm of the Air India Group will connect Navi Mumbai (NMI)<\/a> with the United Arab Emirates capital, Abu Dhabi (AUH), as the airport prepares to add international passenger and freight operations to its existing domestic network. Other domestic and foreign airlines are expected to follow with their own international launches in the coming months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Air
Photo: avgeekwithlens\/ Harsh Tekriwal<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Air India Express First Carrier to Begin Overseas Operations From Navi Mumbai<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Air India Express will launch its Abu Dhabi<\/a> service on July 15, positioning itself as the first air carrier to operate international flights from the new airport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the source, bookings for the inaugural flight were expected to open shortly, allowing passengers to reserve seats on the new route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Navi Mumbai International Airport Ltd (NMIAL) chief executive officer BVJK Sharma confirmed on June 17 that the airport was preparing to begin international passenger and freight operations from July 15.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He stated that the facility would start with freighter services, which are projected to scale up to nearly 18 weekly flights. Sharma added that progress was also underway on the passenger side, with international passenger flights expected to commence on the same date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: avgeekwithlens\/ Harsh Tekriwal<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Customs Review Cleared the Path for International Launch<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sharma made the announcement after a Member (Customs), a senior official within the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), reviewed the airport’s readiness for international operations on June 16.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The review took place ahead of the planned launch and assessed the facility’s preparedness to handle overseas passenger and cargo movement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The airport operator had initially planned to begin international services at the start of the airline’s summer schedule, which runs from the last week of March to the last week of October. The launch was postponed due to the conflict in West Asia, pushing the start date to July 15.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: Navi Mumbai International Airport<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Ownership and Operational Background<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Navi Mumbai International Airport is owned and operated by the Adani Group. The Maharashtra government’s urban planning and infrastructure development agency, Cidco, holds a 26 per cent stake in the project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prime Minister Narendra Modi<\/a> inaugurated the airport in October 2024, and it commenced domestic commercial operations on December 25, 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The airport currently handles around 20,000 passengers per day across 150 arrivals and departures. Operators expect daily passenger traffic to rise to 50,000 by the end of the year, supported by 380 air traffic movements per day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Abu
Photo: Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Abu Dhabi Travel Guide<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport (AUH)<\/a> provides a structured set of special assistance services for travelers with disabilities, who the UAE refers to as People of Determination. Support covers wheelchair access, adapted lounges, accessible washrooms, porters, and priority lanes for faster processing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Passengers can arrange help by notifying their airline or travel agent at least 48 hours before departure, for both outbound and return flights. On the travel day, the Etihad Airways (EY)<\/a> Ground Services team and Special Assistance desks across the terminal handle requests at AUH.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Accessible Services Across Zayed International Airport<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The airport builds accessibility into the full arrival and departure journey. Travelers find wheelchair access, adapted dining and retail outlets, accessible washrooms, and dedicated porters for luggage. Service animals and pets are also permitted within the terminal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After landing, passengers follow signage through immigration and visa control, where many visitors receive entry permits on arrival. They then proceed to the Arrivals Hall and the baggage reclaim area to collect their belongings once immigration and customs procedures are complete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

People of Determination who need on-site help can reach the Etihad Ground Services team or visit any Special Assistance desk in the terminal. For emergencies, the UAE operates a dedicated text-only line for People of Determination at 5999.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: Visit Abu Dhabi<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Accessible Transport Across Abu Dhabi<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Abu Dhabi extends accessibility beyond the airport into its wider transport network. Public buses are fully wheelchair-accessible, and People of Determination receive a 50% fare discount on intercity buses to destinations such as Al Ain or Al Dhafra using the pre-paid Hafilat smart card.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Experience Abu Dhabi Shuttle Bus runs complimentary, wheelchair-friendly routes across eight main lines, each fitted with comfortable seating, air conditioning, and WiFi. Riders board at any stop and scan a QR code to travel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For accessible taxis, travelers can contact Tawasul, the national transport provider, or arrange private vehicles through companies such as Enaya Car or Eden Mobility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Booking apps, including Careem, Uber, Yango, and the official Abu Dhabi Taxi app, are available on Google Play and the App Store. People of Determination receive a 50% discount on the total fare across approved transport services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inclusive Infrastructure and Attractions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Accessibility is embedded into everyday infrastructure across the capital, from city streets and public transport to cultural sites, shopping centers, and entertainment venues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many locations feature step-free access, lifts, accessible restrooms, and wheelchair loan or rental services. Several resorts and hotels also offer accessible rooms with wide doorways, roll-in showers, and lower beds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yas Island is piloting an Inclusive City project aimed at making it a model accessible destination in the region. The initiative focuses on prepared infrastructure, improved mobility, and well-designed facilities for equal access.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Several Yas Island theme parks offer special rates, skip-the-line privileges, and extended benefits for a caregiver or companion. These include Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld, Ferrari World, and SeaWorld Yas Island. Travelers should confirm accessibility policies with each venue in advance, as offerings vary by location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Join us on\u00a0Telegram Group\u00a0<\/a>for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on\u00a0Google News<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Air India Express Postpones Launch from Asia’s Largest Airport<\/a><\/blockquote>