The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi has officially welcomed a delegation of Indian media representatives and airline executives to celebrate the debut of Air India Express’s direct route between Navi Mumbai International Airport and Abu Dhabi. The service marks the very first international operation out of the newly constructed Navi Mumbai aviation hub, establishing a historic milestone in regional travel and air transport integration.
This strategic flight launch reinforces the vital aviation corridors linking India and the United Arab Emirates. It expands travel choices at a pivotal moment, as the UAE capital accelerates the development of its leisure infrastructure, cultural landmark facilities, and global visitor experiences.
Strengthening Strategic Aviation and Cultural Partnerships
To mark the milestone flight, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi hosted an official welcome dinner at the Zayed National Museum. The gathering brought together key aviation stakeholders, government officials, and international media representatives to recognize the deepening commercial ties between both regions.
The official delegation attending the celebration included His Excellency Dr. Deepak Mittal, Ambassador of India to the UAE, alongside Nipun Aggarwal, Chairman of Air India Express. They were joined by Carsten Nørland, Chief Commercial Officer at Abu Dhabi Airports, and Haitham Al Khamis, Acting Director of Tourism Products Development at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi.
During their stay in the emirate, the media delegation will take part in an curated itinerary featuring prominent cultural and leisure destinations. The itinerary covers Saadiyat Cultural District Abu Dhabi, the Zayed National Museum, the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, the historic Al Ain Region, Qasr Al Watan, and the entertainment hubs located across Yas Island.
Government and Aviation Leaders Highlight Shared Growth
Leadership figures from across the tourism, diplomatic, and aviation sectors expressed strong confidence in the new route’s long-term economic and social benefits.
Haitham Al Khamis, Acting Director of Tourism Products Development at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, noted that the launch of Air India Express’s new Navi Mumbai service reflects the strength of the relationship between the UAE and India. He emphasized that the route demonstrates the continued confidence of aviation partners in Abu Dhabi’s long-term tourism expansion, which continues to evolve through new museums, major attractions, and sustained investments across culture, entertainment, and hospitality.
His Excellency Dr. Deepak Mittal, Ambassador of India to the UAE, highlighted that the continued expansion of air connectivity reflects the strength of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the enduring bonds between the two nations. He stated that these new services will further facilitate tourism, business, investment, and cultural exchanges while making travel seamless for millions of passengers.
Nipun Aggarwal, Chairman of Air India Express, shared that the airline is delighted to celebrate this expansion alongside its partners in Abu Dhabi. He explained that adding direct routes from Navi Mumbai, Indore, and Lucknow reflects a steadfast commitment to strengthening connectivity between India and one of its most essential international markets. Along with upcoming services to Guwahati, this flight expansion creates broader opportunities for travelers while supporting deeper economic and cultural engagement.
Carsten Nørland, Chief Commercial Officer at Abu Dhabi Airports, pointed out that India remains one of the airport’s most critical international markets. He stressed that Zayed International Airport continues to focus on offering the capacity, operational efficiency, and global connectivity that airlines and passengers require. He added that the launch of the Navi Mumbai route reflects the growing demand for direct and transfer travel through the UAE capital.
Rapid Network Expansion and Impressive Tourism Growth
Air India Express initially operates two weekly flights connecting Navi Mumbai with Abu Dhabi, increasing to three weekly frequencies. This service runs alongside four weekly flights from Indore and three weekly flights from Lucknow.
With these added services, the airline now connects Abu Dhabi directly to 14 cities across India through 75 weekly non-stop flights. This positions the UAE capital as one of the carrier’s largest and fastest-growing international destinations.
This rapid network expansion aligns with extraordinary tourism growth across the emirate. Official tourism statistics confirm that Abu Dhabi welcomed a record 26.6 million visitors in 2025, driving a 19.5 percent year-on-year increase in total hotel revenues. Furthermore, cultural institutions across the capital recorded 8.6 million total visits, demonstrating strong global interest in the region’s historical and artistic offerings.
Looking forward, Abu Dhabi continues to expand its destination portfolio. Following the openings of the Zayed National Museum and the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, upcoming developments include the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, Sphere Abu Dhabi, Disney Resort Abu Dhabi, and a Harry Potter-themed expansion at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi. Together, these developments ensure that enhanced air connectivity directly supports the emirate’s vision as a premier global hub for culture and family entertainment.
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