UAE-India travel: Air India Express to shift Sharjah flights to Navi Mumbai airport

Air India Express will gradually shift its existing Sharjah flights from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai to the new Navi Mumbai International Airport. The transition is expected to be completed by the Northern Summer 2027 season.

The move forms part of a wider plan announced by Air India Group and Adani Airports to transfer selected domestic and West Asia services to the new airport, allowing redevelopment work at Terminal 1 of Mumbai’s existing airport to proceed.

Air India Express to Begin Navi Mumbai Operations in December 2026

Air India Express plans to begin operations from Navi Mumbai International Airport in December 2026, initially offering four daily domestic flights.

The airline will then introduce planned services to Kuwait and shift existing services to Oman from January 2027. Other international routes will move in phases as part of the wider transition.

The airline expects to progressively transfer services to Sharjah, Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam, Doha and Muscat, completing the process by the Northern Summer 2027 season.

However, Air India Express has not yet announced the exact date for shifting its Sharjah flights or released revised schedules for the route.

What the Airport Change Means for UAE Passengers

The transition means passengers travelling on affected Air India Express flights between Sharjah and Mumbai will eventually arrive at or depart from Navi Mumbai International Airport instead of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.

Travellers should check their booking details and airline notifications before departure as the transition progresses.

Passengers should also consider the airport change when planning onward connections, arranging ground transport or estimating travel time within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

Air India Group said operating from both Mumbai airports would give travellers greater choice and convenience while improving connectivity across the region.

More Gulf Routes to Move to Navi Mumbai Airport

Sharjah is among several destinations in the Gulf included in Air India Express's transition plan.

The airline will progressively move services to the following destinations:

Sharjah
Jeddah
Riyadh
Dammam
Doha
Muscat

Planned Kuwait services from Navi Mumbai International Airport remain subject to the necessary regulatory approvals.

The phased approach aims to maintain existing airline operations and preserve operating slots at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport while Terminal 1 undergoes redevelopment.

Navi Mumbai Airport to Support Future Aviation Growth

Navi Mumbai International Airport is being developed with advanced technology, multimodal transport links and infrastructure designed to accommodate growing passenger demand.

Adani Airport Holdings Limited welcomed Air India Group's decision to begin operations at the new airport, highlighting its potential to strengthen connectivity and improve the passenger experience.

Air India Group said the transition would allow it to continue serving the Mumbai market while supporting redevelopment at the existing airport.

Key Dates for Air India Express Passengers

December 2026: Air India Express plans to begin operations from Navi Mumbai with four daily domestic flights.

January 2027: Planned Kuwait services and existing Oman services are scheduled to follow.

By Northern Summer 2027: The broader transition of selected domestic and international routes, including Sharjah, is expected to be completed.

Passengers travelling between Sharjah and Mumbai should monitor official airline updates for confirmation of the route's transfer date and any changes to flight schedules.