Mumbai is set to witness a landmark expansion in international air connectivity as IndiGo, India’s largest airline by market share, announced the launch of daily direct flights between Mumbai and the holy city of Madinah. This development positions IndiGo as the only Indian carrier offering non-stop connectivity on this route, catering to growing demand from religious travellers, business professionals, and the workforce commuting between India and Saudi Arabia.
The new Mumbai-Madinah service, operated by Airbus A320 aircraft, is scheduled to depart from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) at 10.05 pm, arriving in Madinah at 1.10 am local time. The return flight will depart Madinah at 9.50 pm, landing in Mumbai at 4.45 am the next day. According to airline officials, this addition strengthens IndiGo’s network across Saudi Arabia, complementing its existing operations to Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dammam, and will be the carrier’s second connection to Madinah, alongside the Hyderabad-Madinah route. The Hyderabad service, currently operating four times a week, will also be upgraded to daily operations starting November 16. With these expansions, the airline aims to capture a significant share of religious tourism traffic while facilitating smoother travel for pilgrims and trade-related travellers. Experts note that the Mumbai-Madinah corridor is expected to enhance convenience for a large number of passengers who previously relied on connecting flights through other cities, thereby reducing travel time and improving passenger experience.
Aviation officials emphasise that the introduction of direct flights is aligned with India’s broader objective of sustainable air travel, as direct routes reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions associated with stopovers. With modern, fuel-efficient aircraft such as the A320neo in service, the airline is contributing to a cleaner aviation footprint while enhancing operational efficiency. The airline’s expansion reflects the increasing importance of religious tourism in driving international connectivity. By offering direct flights from Mumbai, the commercial hub of India, to Madinah, the airline facilitates access for thousands of pilgrims, ensuring safer, faster, and more convenient travel. Industry experts believe this move could encourage similar expansions by other carriers and boost bilateral economic and cultural exchanges between India and Saudi Arabia.
Officials stress that the new service will operate with strict adherence to international safety protocols and passenger comfort standards. By integrating operational efficiency with sustainable practices, the Mumbai-Madinah route exemplifies how aviation infrastructure can balance demand, convenience, and environmental responsibility. With daily connectivity to Madinah, Mumbai now stands to strengthen its position as a major gateway for international religious tourism while supporting eco-conscious air travel initiatives.
IndiGo To Operate Daily Direct Flights Between Mumbai And Madinah Becoming Only Carrier
