Akasa Air Joins NMIA Takeoff, Gears Up for Major Domestic and International Expansion
Akasa Air Joins NMIA Takeoff, Gears Up for Major Domestic and International Expansion
In a major development that underlines the growing momentum around the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), Akasa Air has officially confirmed its partnership with Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL), announcing plans to begin operations from the upcoming airport. This announcement closely follows IndiGo’s recent decision to be the first carrier to fly out of NMIA, marking a new era in Mumbai’s aviation story.
Akasa Air’s move signals its intention to become a key player at NMIA, with the airline set to operate more than 100 weekly domestic departures in the initial phase. By the winter schedule, this figure is expected to triple to over 300 domestic flights weekly, along with more than 50 international departures. With this bold expansion, Akasa Air aims to secure the largest share of its fleet operating from NMIA compared to any other Indian airline.
Vinay Dube, Founder and CEO of Akasa Air, highlighted this development as a critical step toward realizing the airline’s long-term growth vision. “Our foray into NMIA 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,” Dube said. He further emphasized that Akasa Air will maintain the highest proportion of its fleet at NMIA among all Indian carriers, underscoring its commitment to the new airport.
As part of its network expansion strategy, Akasa Air is also targeting a significant increase in its infrastructure footprint, with plans to scale up to 10 aircraft parking bases by the end of FY2027. The airline’s future roadmap includes strategic international expansion into key Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian destinations, a move expected to elevate its global connectivity profile.
Akasa’s entry into NMIA also aligns with broader national goals. “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,” Dube added.
The airline also believes that its presence at NMIA will contribute to easing the burden on the highly congested Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) in Mumbai, offering passengers better access and improved travel experiences.
Welcoming Akasa Air on board, Arun Bansal, CEO of AAHL, noted, “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.”
He further added that the collaboration is part of a shared mission to transform Mumbai’s aviation landscape and elevate passenger experience through a world-class airport facility.
NMIA, which is being positioned as a future-ready aviation gateway, is expected to handle 20 million passengers and 0.5 million metric tonnes of cargo annually in its first phase. Its ultimate design capacity will scale up to accommodate 90 million passengers and 3.2 million metric tonnes of cargo, making it one of the largest airports in the region.
With Akasa Air now joining IndiGo as an early airline partner, NMIA is poised to become a key hub in India’s dual-airport strategy for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The airport promises to deliver cutting-edge infrastructure, seamless connectivity, and best-in-class amenities, reshaping the aviation experience for millions.
