Air India Express has announced a strategic shift of its flight operations to the newly developed Navi Mumbai International Airport, marking a significant transition for travelers flying between the UAE and India. Starting in December 2026 with domestic routes, the airline will gradually move its international services—including those to Sharjah, Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam, Doha, and Muscat—to the new facility. This phased migration, part of a collaboration with Adani Airports, is expected to be fully finalized by the summer of 2027.

While the move aims to support the redevelopment of Terminal 1 at Mumbai’s current Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, it also reflects a broader effort to manage the city's increasing aviation demand through a dual-airport system. Passengers with upcoming travel plans should remain vigilant regarding their booking details as the transition unfolds. The airline expects that utilizing both airports will ultimately provide travelers with improved connectivity and greater flexibility across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, positioning the new airport as a modern hub for future regional growth.