Air India Express and IndiGo to move some Mumbai flights to Navi Mumbai airport

Air India Express and IndiGo plan to move selected flights from Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) to Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA). The shift supports the redevelopment of Terminal 1 at the existing airport. Air India Express is due to open its NMIA operation in December 2026 with four domestic flights a day, and its Gulf routes follow in phases.

Air India Group and Adani Airports announced the plan on a Sunday, Khaleej Times reported on 26 October. Air India Express will move its Sharjah, Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam, Doha and Muscat routes step by step. The transition is expected to finish by the IATA Northern Summer 2027 season.

Planned Kuwait services and existing Oman operations are set for January 2027. The Kuwait flights still need approvals. The airline has not given an exact date for the Sharjah move or published revised schedules for that route. Final dates depend on the airport operator, the airlines and approvals.

Gulf News reported that IndiGo plans to start international operations from NMIA in February 2027. It would transfer 12 daily international departures and reach 12 destinations by July 2027, including a new daily Kathmandu service. It will also move the domestic flights needed for connections at NMIA.

The airport operator MIAL has asked airlines to relocate some international operations during the Terminal 1 works. Adani Airports calls the move temporary and says historical and additional slots will return once the new terminal opens. Airlines have objected to the proposed cuts in international capacity. A proposed cut does not by itself mean a cancelled flight.

NMIA charges a higher User Development Fee. Adani Airports plans cash vouchers for international passengers to cover the gap. Terminal 1 is targeted for completion by 2030, lifting annual capacity from 15 million to 20 million passengers.

The two airports are around 50km apart. Gulf News notes that this may mean a longer road transfer, higher transport costs or changed connections. Travellers from the UAE on affected routes, including Sharjah, should check the airport on their itinerary and confirm timings with the airline.