Akasa Air, India’s fastest-growing airline, announced its strategic partnership with Adani Airport Holdings Ltd. (AAHL), the largest operator of PPP airports in India, to commence commercial flight operations from the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA). As one of the early airline partners to confirm operations from NMIA, Akasa Air reinforces its commitment to shaping the future of Indian aviation through enhanced connectivity and sustainable expansion, further strengthening India’s dual-airport strategy for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
Akasa Air will operate 100+ Weekly domestic departures initially, scaling up to 300+ domestic and over 50+ international departures weekly in the winter schedule. As part of its broader network strategy, the airline is also set to ramp up to 10 parking bases by the end of FY2027, with a focused international expansion into key Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian markets.
The addition of NMIA to Akasa Air’s growing network reflects the airline’s long-term vision of providing more options and seamless travel experiences for its passengers, while also contributing to the continued development of India’s aviation sector.
Vinay Dube, Founder and CEO, Akasa Air said: "Our foray into Navi Mumbai International Airport is a strategic step aligned with Akasa Air’s long-term vision to build a future-ready airline that is responsive to the evolving needs of Indian travellers. No airline in India will have a larger percentage of its fleet and operations based out of NMIA than Akasa Air. Enhanced connectivity from Navi Mumbai will not only strengthen our network in the western region but also help fuel India’s economic engine by improving connectivity, stimulating regional development, and ensuring that the benefits of aviation-led growth reach every corner of the country. This move supports our commitment to supplement existing capacities, unlock new demand centres, and enable sustainable growth”
“NMIA represents the future of Indian aviation, and our presence from the outset aligns with our vision to serve India’s emerging demand with agility, accessibility, and customer-first innovation. We appreciate our continued partnership with Adani Airports, offering expanded connectivity from this state-of-the-art airport while supporting the broader goal of regional and national aviation growth across our nation”, Dube added.
Arun Bansal, CEO, AAHL, added: "We are pleased to welcome Akasa Air as one of the inaugural airline partners at Navi Mumbai International Airport. Their rapid growth and forward-looking approach make them an ideal partner in NMIA’s journey to becoming a key domestic and international hub. Our collaboration aims to offer a seamless and enhanced travel experience for millions, with NMIA playing a central role in reshaping Mumbai’s air connectivity ecosystem."
Set to become a premier global gateway, NMIA will offer cutting-edge infrastructure, best-in-class passenger amenities, and robust connectivity. In its initial phase, NMIA will handle 20 million passengers and 0.5 million metric tonnes (MMT) of cargo annually, with ultimate capacity expanding to 90 million passengers and 3.2 MMT cargo.
Akasa Air’s presence at NMIA marks a key milestone in its national expansion journey. The launch of NMIA will create a robust dual-airport system for the financial capital of India enabling the decongestion of Mumbai’s existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) and significantly enhancing the overall passenger experience. The expanded capacity offered by both airports will unlock new opportunities for economic growth across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and Maharashtra. Akasa Air’s strategic partnership with NMIA is set to foster greater connectivity, support balanced regional development, and strengthen the airport’s role as a key enabler of India’s aviation future focused on meeting the evolving needs of modern travelers.
With Akasa Air’s commitment, NMIA is rapidly shaping up as a credible and compelling alternative to the existing Mumbai airport, giving travellers increased options, smoother connectivity, and greater confidence in the region’s dual-airport strategy.
The growing airline interest and early operational commitments from Akasa Air sends a strong signal to consumers, industry stakeholders, and international carriers alike, that NMIA is poised to be a well-integrated, reliable, and future-ready airport. It reinforces confidence in Mumbai’s twin-airport system and its potential to transform regional air travel for decades to come.