Bangladesh, June 22 -- Air India Express has announced plans to operate the first international service from Navi Mumbai International Airport, connecting the most populous Indian city with the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi.

The airline said it will launch direct flights between Navi Mumbai and Abu Dhabi from July 15, facilitating Mumbai Metropolitan Region passengers with an additional gateway to the UAE while also offering Indian expatriates another option to travel home.

The service will initially operate twice weekly, on Wednesdays and Fridays. Frequency will increase to three weekly flights starting July 29, adding operations on Sundays.

Navi Mumbai International Airport is Maharashtra's newest airport. It is expected to provide an ad...