Akasa Air has emerged as among the first airlines to announce its operational presence at the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), in association with Adani Airport Holdings Ltd (AAHL).
As the airport inauguration approaches, Akasa has planned to introduce more than 100 weekly domestic departures initially, which would increase to over 350 weekly flights, both domestic and international, by the winter schedule.
NMIA, a greenfield airport project under development through a public-private partnership, is slated to be inaugurated in August, as per the latest reports.
The network strategy of Akasa Air from NMIA includes robust domestic connectivity and scheduled international expansion into major Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian nations.
The airline aims to develop up to 10 parking bases by 2027, aligning with its growth path and regional expansion objectives.
Vinay Dube, Akasa Air Founder and CEO, 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”.
Regarding the wider implication of this development, Dube added, “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.”
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Navi Mumbai Airport, proposed as the second major airport in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, is meant to ease pressure on the already congested Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) and improve passenger experience. During the initial phase, NMIA will be able to process 20 million passengers and 0.5 million metric tonnes of freight per annum. In due course of time, it is likely to expand to a capacity of 90 million passengers and 3.2 MMT of cargo every year.
AAHL CEO Arun Bansal said that Akasa’s 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,” Bansal said.
On May 28, IndiGo Airlines announced that it is scheduled to be the first carrier to launch commercial flights from NMIA.
Also in collaboration with AAHL, IndiGo has planned 18 daily flights to more than 15 cities, starting from day one of NMIA operations, with expansion plans in the works.