India, June 20 -- Air India Express is expected to become the first airline to operate international passenger services from Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), with flights to Abu Dhabi scheduled to begin on July 15.

According to sources, bookings for the inaugural international service are likely to open shortly. The launch will mark a major milestone for the greenfield airport, which began domestic commercial operations on December 25, 2025.

NMIA Chief Executive Officer BVJK Sharma had earlier announced plans to commence international passenger and cargo operations from July 15. The airport, developed by the Adani Group in partnership with CIDCO, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in October 2025 and has been gradu...