Air India Express to Launch Flights at Navi Mumbai Airport on Christmas
Air India Express, Air India’s low-cost subsidiary, has announced it will launch operations at Navi Mumbai International Airport on its opening day, December 25, 2025, marking a significant milestone for India’s aviation sector and the newly inaugurated mega-airport.
The airline confirmed it will operate daily flights to both Bengaluru and Delhi from the new facility, with Delhi service scheduled for Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Beginning January 1, 2026, Air India Express will increase frequency to twice-daily service on both routes, demonstrating confidence in demand from the region.
Aloke Singh, Managing Director of Air India Express, stated: “We are happy to work with the airport as it opens up capacity for Mumbai and its catchment area, putting one of India’s largest transport hubs back on a rapid growth trajectory.”
The airline’s expansion strategy extends beyond Navi Mumbai’s inaugural day. Starting December 1, 2025, Air India Express will commence flights to Nagpur from Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, strengthening its presence across Maharashtra ahead of the new airport’s opening.
Air India Express joins a competitive field of carriers launching operations at Navi Mumbai International Airport. Akasa Air announced plans to initiate service to four Indian cities on December 25, while IndiGo has similarly committed to commencing commercial operations on the airport’s first day.
Navi Mumbai International Airport represents a transformative infrastructure investment for India’s aviation ecosystem. Inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on October 8, 2025, Phase 1 was constructed at a cost of approximately Rs. 19,650 crores ($2.37 billion). Once fully operational, the facility will handle 90 million passengers annually and process 3.25 million metric tons of cargo, significantly alleviating congestion at existing Mumbai airports.
The airport’s opening addresses critical capacity constraints in India’s commercial aviation network, positioning the Mumbai region for accelerated growth and enhanced connectivity. Air India Express’s strategic positioning on opening day underscores the airline’s commitment to capturing emerging travel demand in one of Asia’s most dynamic aviation markets.
Source ID: SRCE-2025-1764102540383-944