Wedoany.com Report-Dec.29, Air India Express, India's first international low-cost carrier, has officially commenced commercial operations from the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), becoming one of the first airlines to operate from the airport on its inaugural day. On December 25, 2025, NMIA was officially opened, with its first flights connecting Navi Mumbai to Bengaluru and Delhi. Air India Express's inaugural flight to Bengaluru marked its formal entry into the new airport. A special ceremony was held at the airport, where a commemorative boarding pass was presented to the first guest.

The inaugural flight to Delhi is scheduled to depart from Navi Mumbai at 14:05 and arrive in Delhi at 16:20. During the initial phase of operations, Air India Express will operate daily flights to Bengaluru and five weekly flights to Delhi. Starting January 1, 2026, flight frequency will increase, with two daily flights to Bengaluru and an expansion of the Delhi route, including a combination of daily and five-weekly flights. These additional flights will strengthen the Navi Mumbai network and support capacity growth in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

Aloke Singh, Managing Director of Air India Express, said, "The launch of Navi Mumbai services is significant for the city of Mumbai and the surrounding region. We are delighted to be part of this initiative to enhance capacity for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Navi Mumbai is a key pillar of our dual-airport strategy, complementing our services at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA). At CSMIA, we operate direct flights to 11 domestic and 3 international destinations. The launch of Navi Mumbai services demonstrates our confidence in the potential of NMIA. In the future, we will expand our operations, offering reliable and value-for-money services with a modern fleet, continuing the tradition of Indian hospitality."

Air India Express continues to expand its operations in Maharashtra, operating over 130 weekly flights from Mumbai, approximately 105 weekly flights from Pune, and recently launching Nagpur services with 14 weekly flights, including two daily flights to Bengaluru. As the network expands, Air India Express has introduced a new cabin experience on its Boeing 737-8 aircraft, featuring more comfortable seats, wider armrests, 29 to 38 inches of legroom, and USB charging ports. Hot meals are available from onboard ovens, and the cabin interior has been refreshed. Additionally, the airline is promoting its "Story of India" initiative, showcasing India's cultural heritage through tailfin art.

With the commencement of operations at NMIA, Air India Express positions the airport as a key part of its network strategy to support future growth while also enhancing connectivity for passengers in western India.