Navi Mumbai Airport: New Chapter in Aviation

New Opportunities in UAE–India Aviation: Navi Mumbai International Airport Launch

On September 30, 2025, a new chapter begins in the aviation history between India and the United Arab Emirates. On this date, the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) will open its doors to passengers and will eventually be able to serve up to 90 million passengers annually. This development is a significant milestone not only for India but for the entire region, particularly the UAE, as it offers new pricing options, greater variety, and increased competition among airlines.

Mumbai's twin airport elevates the city to a global league

With the opening of the Navi Mumbai Airport, India's financial capital, Mumbai, joins the ranks of cities worldwide with two fully-fledged international airports. In addition to the existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), the NMIA is projected to boost the city's capacity to 140–160 million passengers annually by 2032. This figure rivals those of global aviation hubs like Dubai (DXB and Al Maktoum), London (Heathrow and Gatwick), and New York (JFK and Newark).

The dual airport model implies more than just increased capacity. This development paves the way for new flights, new routes, and increased flight frequency, particularly between the UAE and Mumbai. This change directly affects the more than nine million Indian citizens living in the GCC region, including those in the UAE, where about 3.7 million Indians reside and work. For them, efficient, frequent, and affordable travel between India and the Middle East is crucial.

Expanding Flight Choices, More Competitive Prices

The opening of Navi Mumbai Airport is also favorable for airlines. The expansion of transport infrastructure enables them to operate more flights at better times and at more favorable prices. Experts predict increased competition between traditional and budget airlines.

Alongside full-service carriers like Emirates, Etihad Airways, and Air India, budget airlines such as flydubai, Air Arabia, IndiGo, Air India Express, and the emerging Akasa Air are likely to strengthen their presence. Akasa Air has already signed an agreement with Adani Airport Holdings to be among the first to launch commercial flights from NMIA.

Akasa Air will commence operations in the first phase with over 100 weekly domestic flights, anticipating more than 300 domestic and 50 international departures weekly during the winter schedule. The airline aims to establish ten base airports by the end of 2027 and significantly expand into the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

Passenger Growth Already Noticeable

Traffic between the UAE and India is already notable. During the first half of 2025, the Dubai International Airport (DXB) handled the most passenger traffic on routes to India, with 5.9 million passengers opting for this route over the period. This highlights the need for new infrastructure and flexible airport capacities between the two countries.

The Navi Mumbai Airport is expected to relieve the overloaded CSMIA and facilitate faster passenger flow. This is particularly important for tourism, business trips, and the Indian diaspora who frequently visit their families back home.

Challenges and Infrastructure Concerns

Despite the numerous advantages of the new airport, not everything is perfect. Experts, such as the lead analyst at StrategicAero Research, point out that the geographical location of the Navi Mumbai Airport poses challenges. The new airport is situated eastward, further away from Mumbai's downtown, and the current access routes are not sufficiently modern or efficient.

This means that many passengers may choose the old CSMIA airport to save time and money. Until the surrounding infrastructure—highways, rapid transit, and public transportation connections—improves, NMIA will primarily attract those arriving from Mumbai's suburbs or other states.

This dilemma is not unique—similar challenges are seen in Australia, where the new international airport under construction in western Sydney is also far from the city center. Although the facility is modern, achieving full utilization could take time due to its location.

What Does It Mean For UAE Travelers?

For passengers departing from or arriving in the UAE, the Navi Mumbai Airport offers a new alternative. New pricing options, the entrance of new airlines, and additional routes expand the choices. This is particularly important for frequent travelers, family visitors, and business people who seek more affordable and flexible travel options.

The airport introduces competition among airlines, leading to long-term lower prices and better services. Also, it's likely that new destinations will be added to route networks—such as smaller South Indian or Middle Eastern cities—that were previously inaccessible via direct flights.

Summary

The opening of Navi Mumbai International Airport brings significant changes to India–UAE aviation. New opportunities, price competition, and increased flight frequency benefit passengers. However, the long-term success key will be how well Mumbai can develop the infrastructure network related to the new airport. UAE travelers, meanwhile, undoubtedly experience expanded opportunities—whether for tourism, employment, or family visits.

(Source of the article: Statement from Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA).)