Air India Express plans to move its existing flights from Sharjah from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai to the new Navi Mumbai International Airport. This transition will be carried out in phases and is expected to be completed by Summer 2027.
This change is part of a broader plan announced by Air India Group and Adani Airports on Sunday. According to this plan, several selected domestic and West Asian routes will be transferred to Navi Mumbai International Airport, which is necessary to support the reconstruction of Terminal 1 at the existing Mumbai airport.
The airline has stated that it will begin operations from Navi Mumbai International Airport in December 2026, starting with four daily domestic flights. Following this, scheduled flights to Kuwait will commence in January 2027, and existing flights to Oman will resume.
Gradually, the airline will transfer services destined for Sharjah, Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam, Doha, and Muscat. The entire process is expected to be completed by the Northern Summer season of 2027, overseen by the International Air Transport Association.
What changes await passengers from the UAE?
This transition means that passengers traveling on affected Air India Express flights between Sharjah and Mumbai will eventually use Navi Mumbai International Airport instead of the current Mumbai airport. Passengers should check their booking details, as the airline is gradually moving services to the new airport, especially for those planning further connections or arranging transport in Mumbai.
Air India Group emphasized that operating flights from both airports will provide travelers with more options and convenience while improving transport connectivity within the Mumbai metropolitan region. The phased transition is also designed to maintain the airline's current operations and ensure the retention of its operational slots at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport during the reconstruction of Terminal 1.
Other Gulf destinations to be transferred
Sharjah is one of several Gulf destinations included in the airline's transition plan. Air India Express will also gradually transfer services to Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam, Doha, and Muscat to Navi Mumbai International Airport. The airline noted that scheduled flights to Kuwait from the new airport are still subject to obtaining necessary regulatory approvals.
This transition is part of a larger program affecting both domestic and international airlines as Mumbai develops a two-airport system to meet growing passenger demand.
New airport to support future growth
Navi Mumbai International Airport is being developed using advanced technologies, multimodal transport links, and infrastructure designed to support future aviation growth. Adani Airport Holdings Limited welcomed the decision by Air India Group to begin operations from the new airport, stating that it will support connectivity and provide passengers with a smoother travel experience.
Air India Group stated that this step will allow it to continue serving the Mumbai market while supporting the reconstruction of the existing airport. The transition will begin with domestic flights in December 2026, followed by selected international routes from January 2027, before the broader transfer is completed by the Northern Summer season of 2027.
