Mumbai has garnered yet another accolade, and it’s about to take it international. Earlier this June, the newly opened Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) ranked among the World’s 7 Most Beautiful Airports of 2026. Conceptualised by world-renowned Zaha Hadid Architects, the terminal’s striking lotus-inspired design and eco-friendly infrastructure were recognised at the UNESCO-backed Prix Versailles in Paris. Now, the airport is all set to fly internationally with its very first flight to Abu Dhabi, starting July 15, 2026.
Navi Mumbai International Flights To Abu Dhabi
Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) has announced its first international route from Mumbai to Abu Dhabi. It marks the airport’s larger expansion plan to connect India and Gulf countries, one of India’s largest aviation markets. Additionally, Air India Express becomes the first carrier to operate an international flight from Navi Mumbai Airport. Announced by BVJK Sharma, the CEO of the airport, the airport is likely to commence international passenger flights along with cargo freighter services. The focus, however, largely remains on cargo operations with a weekly target of 18 freighter flights.
Operated by Air India Express, the direct flights to Abu Dhabi are available on Wednesdays and Fridays. Moreover, they depart from Abu Dhabi at 5:45 AM GST and reach Navi Mumbai by 10:20 AM IST. The flight from Navi Mumbai takes off at 2:55 AM IST and arrives in Abu Dhabi at 4:35 AM GST. By July 29 2026, the flights to Abu Dhabi are expected to have a Sunday operation. This shall take the weekly frequency of the flights to three times a week. Furthermore, flight prices start from ₹10,800 to ₹12,800 for a standard one-way economy ticket. Round-trip fares typically start around ₹24,000.
NMIA plays a crucial role in accommodating the growing passenger traffic and reducing congestion at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. Currently, the airport handles around 150 daily flights, serving roughly 20,000 passengers per day. With the rapid expansion, the airport expects to increase carriers and daily passenger traffic. Perhaps, the opening of international operations helps with the mobile connectivity and teething issues that persist between Mumbai Metropolitan and Navi Mumbai.
Key Information
✈️Navi Mumbai to Abu Dhabi
📅July 15, 2026 onwards
🔁Twice a week (thrice a week, July 29 onwards)
📍Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA)
