Akasa Air will shift its Noida-Mumbai flights from Mumbai Airport to Navi Mumbai International Airport from October 1, with the change linked to redevelopment work at Mumbai Airport’s Terminal 1 and ongoing access constraints around the newer airport.
The airline had earlier moved its direct Noida-Jewar to Navi Mumbai service to Mumbai Airport because of limited infrastructure, the absence of direct metro connectivity and low passenger numbers. The service is now being redirected to Navi Mumbai, according to a report by Loksatta – Mumbai.
The route was introduced to connect western Uttar Pradesh, including the Noida-Jewar region, with Navi Mumbai’s expanding industrial belt. It was intended to serve corporate travellers and other passengers travelling between the two regions. However, passengers faced longer road journeys, high taxi fares and limited fast public transport options between Navi Mumbai Airport and surrounding urban areas.
Although both airports have modern terminal facilities, the report said road connectivity between the airport locations and their respective passenger catchments remains a challenge. The lack of direct metro or fast rail access has affected the convenience of travelling to Navi Mumbai Airport, particularly for passengers who must rely on taxis or road-based transfers.
Akasa Air had stopped operating some direct Noida-Navi Mumbai flights several months ago and began operating them through Mumbai Airport instead. That arrangement is now being revised ahead of the Terminal 1 redevelopment at Mumbai Airport. The redevelopment work is scheduled to begin on January 15, 2027.
From October 1, about 30% of the relevant flights will be shifted to Navi Mumbai Airport, the report said. Akasa Air has also stopped bookings for the 2.01 p.m. Noida-Mumbai flight from September 30. A 9.05 p.m. flight was discontinued two days earlier, reducing the available direct options on the route.
Following the changes, passengers travelling between Noida and Mumbai will have fewer direct flight choices. The report said that, apart from the revised Akasa Air operation, passengers will have the option of an IndiGo afternoon flight departing at 3 p.m.
The Akasa Air flight departing Noida at 11 a.m. is scheduled to reach Navi Mumbai Airport at 1.15 p.m. from the revised operation date. The change places renewed attention on the need for reliable road and public transport links to Navi Mumbai Airport as airlines adjust their operations between the two airports.
