India’s aviation sector is preparing for a significant operational change as IndiGo plans to move selected international flights from Mumbai’s existing airport to Navi Mumbai International Airport. The phased transition is expected to begin in February 2027 and continue through July, creating new opportunities for the airport’s international expansion.

The move is part of a broader plan to distribute air traffic between Mumbai’s two airports while allowing the existing airport to undertake infrastructure redevelopment.

Twelve Daily International Departures Planned

IndiGo and Adani Airport Holdings Limited have announced plans for the airline to transfer 12 daily international departures from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport to Navi Mumbai International Airport.

The transition will cover existing services connecting Mumbai with destinations including Bahrain, Riyadh, Dammam, Jeddah, Madinah, Kuwait, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Muscat, Dhaka and Jakarta.

The airline also plans to introduce a daily service to Kathmandu. With this addition, its proposed international network at Navi Mumbai will cover 12 destinations during the February-to-July 2027 expansion period.

Domestic flights needed to connect passengers with these international services will also be adjusted as part of the transition.

Why the Airport Shift Matters

Mumbai’s aviation network faces increasing demand, while the existing airport must also accommodate major infrastructure improvements. Moving a portion of airline operations to Navi Mumbai is intended to help balance passenger traffic and create additional operational flexibility.

The transition is also expected to support the planned redevelopment of Terminal 1 at the existing Mumbai airport. By redistributing selected services, the airport system can make room for construction work while airlines continue serving passengers across the metropolitan region.

For IndiGo, the additional capacity could also support its international growth plans, including potential new routes across Asia, Africa and Europe.

What Passengers Should Know

Travellers should pay close attention to the airport specified on their tickets, particularly for journeys scheduled during the transition period.

Mumbai’s existing international airport and Navi Mumbai International Airport are separate facilities. Passengers who are accustomed to departing from the existing airport should not assume that their future flights will continue operating from the same location.

The airlines have indicated that final transition dates will be announced after operational coordination and the required approvals are completed. Travellers should therefore check their booking details and airline notifications before leaving for the airport.

A New Phase for Mumbai’s Aviation Market

The planned transfer represents another step in developing Navi Mumbai International Airport as a major aviation hub for the region. Its expanding international network could provide additional travel options while helping the existing airport manage capacity constraints.

The success of the transition will depend on operational readiness, passenger connectivity and coordination between airlines and airport operators.

As the plans progress, the development is likely to remain an important issue for India’s aviation and travel industries, particularly for passengers flying internationally from the Mumbai metropolitan region.