India’s domestic carrier IndiGo is set to enhance regional air connectivity from Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) with the introduction of six new direct flight routes. Scheduled to commence on March 29, 2026, the new services will link NMIA to Ahmedabad, Diu, Goa, Rajkot, Belgaum, and Kolhapur, operating primarily with ATR 72-600 aircraft. This expansion underscores the airport’s growing role as a strategic hub for regional travel in western India.
The airline has secured dedicated operational rights for these routes, including multiple daily departures and arrivals. Industry experts suggest that such additions improve access for tier-2 and tier-3 cities, promoting economic activity, tourism, and business connectivity, while optimising regional air mobility. NMIA, still emerging as an alternative to the heavily trafficked Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, is positioned to benefit from increased utilisation and diversified route offerings. IndiGo’s ATR operations, with a seating capacity of 78 passengers, are designed for short-haul routes, providing cost-efficient and frequent services. The airline has opened bookings across all platforms, signalling readiness to meet anticipated demand. Observers note that these routes could stimulate travel demand from both business and leisure segments, particularly as NMIA improves last-mile connectivity and supporting infrastructure.
Market analysts highlight that the move aligns with broader trends in India’s regional aviation sector, where low-cost carriers are leveraging secondary airports to reduce congestion and enhance network flexibility. By connecting regional centres directly with major urban nodes, carriers like IndiGo are supporting balanced urban development and decentralised economic growth, enabling peripheral cities to integrate more effectively into national supply chains and tourism circuits. The launch of these flights is also expected to complement ongoing infrastructure initiatives at NMIA, including improved road access, parking facilities, and potential metro connectivity. Urban planners emphasise that integrating aviation growth with multimodal transport solutions is crucial for sustainable airport development, minimising congestion and environmental impact while supporting passenger convenience.
IndiGo’s expansion from NMIA reflects a long-term strategy to consolidate its presence across India’s emerging airport hubs. The addition of these six routes strengthens the airline’s regional network, supports operational efficiency, and provides a reliable option for passengers seeking direct, convenient travel between western India’s commercial and leisure destinations. For NMIA, increased airline activity may enhance its commercial viability and position it as a complementary gateway to the Mumbai metropolitan region, with broader implications for urban mobility, regional tourism, and economic connectivity.
IndiGo Launches Six New Routes From Navi Mumbai
