Navi Mumbai, July 16 -- Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) on Wednesday began scheduled international operations, with Air India Express launching the airport's first overseas route with direct flights to Abu Dhabi. The inaugural Air India Express flight, IX208 from Abu Dhabi, landed at 10.20am and was welcomed with a traditional water cannon salute. The airline will operate the service three times a week. The international launch comes less than seven months after NMIA opened for domestic operations on December 25, 2025. Airport authorities said Abu Dhabi is the first of several international destinations planned as NMIA expands its airline partnerships and route network in the coming months. "The launch of our first scheduled international flight marks the beginning of a new phase in Navi Mumbai International Airport's journey," said Arun Bansal, chief executive officer of Adani Airport Holdings Ltd....