Navi Mumbai Airport to launch international flights and freighters on July 15
The Navi Mumbai International Airport is scheduled to commence its international passenger and freighter operations on July 15, 2026, establishing a second international transit hub in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
B.V.J.K. Sharma, the Chief Executive Officer of Navi Mumbai International Airport Limited (NMIAL), announced the launch date on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Brihanmumbai Custom Brokers Association (BCBA) Logistics Conclave in Mumbai, Sharma confirmed that the Adani Group-owned greenfield facility is prepared to expand its current domestic operations.
The international launch will begin with freighter operations, which are expected to quickly scale up to nearly 18 weekly flights. Alongside cargo transit, international passenger services are also slated to start on July 15, 2026. Major domestic carriers Air India Express and IndiGo have been confirmed as the airlines that will operate these initial international flights from Navi Mumbai.
Government agencies have already begun finalising the necessary regulatory clearances. On Tuesday, June 16, 2026, a senior official serving as Member (Customs) within the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) conducted a review of the airport's physical and administrative readiness.
According to Sharma, relevant notifications have already been promulgated, with the final one being processed on June 17, 2026. This step will be followed by Section 45 clearances and code trials for both courier and cargo operations. The customs department is expected to issue a formal trade notice around July 5.
The airport, which first commenced its domestic flight services in December last year, currently manages an average of 20,000 passengers and 150 daily departures and arrivals. However, airport authorities project a significant surge in traffic by the end of the year, targeting 50,000 daily passengers and 380 daily air traffic movements.
The operational expansion comes shortly after the airport received global recognition. On Monday, June 15, 2026, it was named among the Prix Versailles World's Most Beautiful Airports 2026, sharing the honour with five other international airports in Guangzhou, Frankfurt am Main, Kandal Stueng, Pittsburgh, and San Diego.
