14 direct routes to India from Abu Dhabi. Photo: Shutterstock Air India Express has launched the inaugural flight on its new route between Navi Mumbai and Abu Dhabi, further expanding air connectivity between the UAE and India.
Navi Mumbai International Airport is a new airport built to complement the operations of the old Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Airport in Mumbai, which suffers from heavy congestion.
Zayed International Airport (AUH) welcomed the launch of the new route and noted that this is a significant step in strengthening air connections between the two countries, along with expanding flight options for business and tourist travelers.
Following the opening of the new route, Abu Dhabi Airport operates 75 direct flights per week to 14 cities across India, a figure that highlights the expansion of the network and the growing demand for flights between the countries.
According to the airport management, investments in infrastructure and operational capabilities allow for continued growth in the number of routes and flights, while providing efficient service to both airlines and passengers.
India is one of the world's largest and fastest-growing aviation markets, with international passenger traffic on the rise. For Abu Dhabi, expanding its network to India is part of a broader strategy to establish itself as an international aviation hub and a key gateway between Asia, the Middle East, Europe and other destinations around the world.
Air India Express's new route joins a series of moves made in recent years by airlines and airports in the region, with the aim of meeting the growing demand for flights between India and the Gulf and strengthening economic, business and tourism ties between the countries.