Air India Express is preparing to move several international services from Mumbai’s existing airport to Navi Mumbai International Airport as part of a broader restructuring of flight operations across the Mumbai metropolitan region.

The transition is expected to begin in phases from December 2026, with selected international services moving from January 2027. The airline aims to complete the shift of its designated West Asia routes by the Northern Summer 2027 aviation season.

The development is expected to strengthen Navi Mumbai’s role as an additional aviation hub while helping accommodate redevelopment work at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.

Four Daily Domestic Flights to Begin in December

Air India Express plans to introduce four daily domestic flights from Navi Mumbai International Airport in December 2026. These initial services will help establish the airline’s operations at the new facility before the planned transition of additional international routes.

From January 2027, the airline expects to begin moving existing services to Oman and introduce planned services to Kuwait, subject to the necessary regulatory approvals.

The phased approach is intended to help the airline coordinate aircraft deployment, airport facilities and passenger connections without disrupting its wider network.

Six International Destinations Included in the Plan

Air India Express will progressively transfer services connecting Mumbai with six destinations in West Asia:

• Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
• Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
• Dammam, Saudi Arabia
• Doha, Qatar
• Muscat, Oman
• Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

The transition is expected to be completed by the Northern Summer 2027 aviation season. The precise dates for individual services will depend on operational coordination and the airline’s final schedules.

Kuwait-bound services are also planned from Navi Mumbai, although their transfer remains subject to the required approvals.

Why the Airline Is Changing Airports

The planned relocation is linked to the redevelopment of Terminal 1 at Mumbai’s existing international airport. Redistributing selected flights between the two airports is intended to create additional capacity for construction and future infrastructure improvements.

The change also supports the development of a dual-airport system for the Mumbai metropolitan region. With airlines operating from both locations, airport operators aim to accommodate growing passenger demand while maintaining connectivity.

For Air India Express, the move creates an opportunity to establish a stronger operational presence at Navi Mumbai and participate in the airport’s expanding international network.

What Passengers Need to Know

Travellers flying to destinations in West Asia should check their flight confirmations carefully as the transition progresses. A change in departure airport can affect ground transportation, connecting flights and the time required to reach the terminal.

Passengers should rely on their airline’s latest booking information rather than assuming that all flights will continue departing from the same Mumbai airport.

The transition will occur in stages, so not every Air India Express flight is expected to move at once.

A Significant Development for India’s Aviation Industry

The planned shift reflects a broader transformation in Mumbai’s aviation infrastructure. Navi Mumbai International Airport is expected to take on a larger role as passenger demand increases and redevelopment work proceeds at the existing airport.

The outcome will depend on the readiness of airport facilities, regulatory approvals and effective coordination between airlines and airport operators.

If implemented as planned, the transition could expand travel options for passengers while helping Air India Express maintain its West Asia network during a major period of change for Mumbai’s aviation sector.