Tata Group-owned Air India is preparing for a major shift in its international strategy by turning Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) into a global hub. The airline is in advanced talks with Adani Airports Holdings Ltd. (AAHL), which operates NMIA, to anchor its expanding global network at the new facility.
Why Navi Mumbai?
Mumbai’s primary Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) is already operating at maximum capacity, leaving little room for expansion. NMIA, scheduled to begin commercial operations by mid-November 2025, will ease congestion and offer state-of-the-art infrastructure for both domestic and international flights. Over time, the airport is expected to emerge as the region’s dominant international gateway.
Hub-Ready Infrastructure
NMIA’s Terminal 2 is being designed specifically for hub operations, with Air India actively involved in its planning. Meanwhile, Terminal 1, capable of handling 20–23 million passengers annually, is expected to reach saturation within six months of opening. Terminal 2, set for completion in 2029, will expand total capacity to 60 million passengers, supported by two operational runways.
Air India’s Expansion Moves
Air India Express is likely to transition part of its international operations first, testing the waters before a larger shift. The airline is also enhancing its long-haul fleet with Airbus A350s but faces challenges: delays in refurbishing Boeing 777-300ERs and aircraft shortages that forced it to suspend the Delhi–Washington route from September 1, 2025.
NMIA’s Role in India’s Aviation Landscape
NMIA is envisioned as a major global transfer hub, similar to Dubai, Amsterdam, or Singapore. Its strategic location strengthens India’s position as an east–west connector, ideal for hub operations.
The airport will not only boost passenger connectivity but also serve as a cargo hub, with the capacity to handle 3.2 million metric tonnes of freight annually. It will also link underserved regional airports like Kolhapur and Solapur, stimulating economic growth in rural areas.
Conclusion
With NMIA set to launch this year, Air India’s plan to shift hub operations marks a transformative moment for India’s aviation sector. The collaboration with AAHL could establish Mumbai’s twin-airport system as one of Asia’s most dynamic aviation hubs, unlocking growth in both passenger traffic and global trade.
