(NAVI MUMBAI) Air India will base its new global hub at Navi Mumbai International Airport, with phased operations set to start this year and expand through 2026, company and airport officials confirmed on August 14, 2025. The move, developed with Adani Airports Holdings Ltd., aims to ease pressure on Mumbai’s current airport and build a long‑haul gateway designed for smooth connections.
Hub planning and terminal design
Terminal planning at Navi Mumbai International Airport reflects that goal. Terminal 2 is being built with hub operations in mind from day one, and Air India has provided direct inputs on layouts and processes to speed transfers and reduce missed connections.
Executives point to better slot availability and modern systems as reasons the carrier can grow faster from Navi Mumbai than at the crowded Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport across the bay. The design emphasizes efficient transfers, passenger flow, and operational flexibility to support large connecting banks.
Capacity and construction timeline
Capacity is central to the plan. Terminal 1 will open with room for an estimated 20–23 million passengers a year. Adani Airports expects that mark to be reached within six months of opening, and construction on Terminal 2 is already underway.
When Terminal 2 finishes in 2029, the airport’s combined capacity is set to reach 60 million passengers annually, supported by two runways operating in tandem.
Phased roll‑out of international flying
International flying will roll out in stages:
- Air India Express (the group’s low‑cost arm) will be the first mover on overseas routes from Navi Mumbai International Airport.
- This lets the airline test schedules, baggage flows, and crew bases before shifting more long‑haul flying.
- As the terminal footprint grows and fleet availability improves, mainline Air India services will scale up.
Fleet and timing constraints
Fleet timing still matters. Air India’s global plan has been slowed by aircraft shortages.
- Refurbishment of legacy Boeing 777‑300ERs is now due to finish by October 2028, about a year late.
- The company is also retrofitting 26 Boeing 787‑8s.
- Despite those delays, the Air India Group’s low‑cost fleet has grown from 25 to 180 aircraft in recent years, giving the company more flexibility to seed the new hub.
Important: aircraft refurbishment delays and global supply chain tightness remain key constraints on how quickly long‑haul services can scale.
What the phased opening means for international travelers
Commercial operations at Navi Mumbai International Airport are scheduled to begin with domestic flights in September 2025, followed by international services in early 2026. For passengers, that implies:
- Most overseas trips from Mumbai will still depart from the current airport through late 2025.
- Once cross‑border flights begin at the new field, travelers should carefully confirm departure airport, check‑in location, and baggage rules during the transition.
Regulatory clearances and operating permissions will be published by India’s aviation regulator. For official notices and safety circulars, passengers and airlines can monitor the Directorate General of Civil Aviation at this link: DGCA.
Airport operators will post detailed terminal maps and check‑in guidance as opening day nears.
Passenger experience and cargo
The passenger experience is expected to improve with modern terminals, smart check‑ins, and advanced baggage systems.
- A 100,000 m² cargo area will support e‑commerce and perishables, helping keep supply chains moving for residents and small businesses.
- Financing for core airport works includes a ₹12,770 crore facility arranged with State Bank of India, according to project disclosures.
Leadership comments and strategic view
On August 14, both Air India and Adani Airports reaffirmed the hub strategy and partnership behind it.
- Air India CEO Campbell Wilson: Navi Mumbai will offer state‑of‑the‑art facilities, a better customer journey, and easier growth thanks to slots.
- NMIA COO Prabhat Mahapatra: The site is a future hub for both Air India and IndiGo, with more links across Maharashtra, India, and overseas.
Industry analysts view this as a long‑awaited step for India to compete with Dubai, Singapore, and London for east‑west connecting traffic. A two‑airport model in Mumbai could spread flights more evenly, cut delays, and support cargo growth.
Impacts on travelers, students, and employers
For families heading abroad, students with term start dates, and workers on tight rosters, more nonstop and one‑stop choices matter.
- A Navi Mumbai hub could mean shorter layovers and simpler connections to Europe, North America, and Asia‑Pacific.
- Employers may find better seat availability during peak periods as new capacity comes online.
- During the transition, travelers should allow extra time to move between Mumbai’s two airports if itineraries mix departures or arrivals across both.
Policy effects extend beyond travelers:
- Relief at the current Mumbai airport should allow more international slots and steadier passenger flows.
- Better links to underserved cities in Maharashtra can boost trade, tourism, and jobs.
- Cargo upgrades should speed exports and reduce spoilage for farmers and small shippers.
Hub build‑out plan (summary)
Adani Airports and Air India have outlined a clear path for the hub:
- Initial international routes launched by Air India Express, with mainline long‑haul moving in phases.
- Ongoing Terminal 2 construction targeting completion in 2029 to support larger connecting banks.
- Continued fleet modernization to back new long‑haul routes as refurbished aircraft return to service.
- Closer integration with domestic services to feed the hub with short‑haul arrivals timed to long‑haul departures.
Key dates to watch
- December 2024 — An IndiGo commercial test flight operated.
- April 17, 2025 — Planned public inauguration shifted as work progressed.
- September 2025 — Revised opening for domestic flights.
- Early 2026 — First international services expected.
- 2029 — Terminal 2 slated to finish, bringing total capacity to about 60 million passengers a year.
Prospective passengers should monitor announcements from Air India, Adani Airports Holdings Ltd., and the Ministry of Civil Aviation. Airlines will publish final terminal assignments on booking paths and boarding passes. During the early months, some flights may still operate from the current Mumbai airport while others move to Navi Mumbai; careful reading of itineraries will prevent missed departures.
Analyst perspective
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, making Navi Mumbai International Airport the group’s global hub fits Air India’s growth needs: more slots, purpose‑built transfer space, and scale. With Terminal 1 at 20–23 million and Terminal 2 lifting capacity to 60 million by 2029, analysts judge the plan to be durable and credible, provided aircraft availability and refurbishments align with timelines.
This Article in a Nutshell
Air India names Navi Mumbai International Airport its global hub, easing Mumbai congestion. Terminal 1 opens September 2025 for 20–23 million passengers. Air India Express launches initial international routes; mainline long‑haul scales as Terminal 2 finishes in 2029 and aircraft refurbishments complete by October 2028 to expand connectivity globally.
