Panaji/Mumbai, December 25, 2025: The much-anticipated Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) began operations today, providing much-needed relief to Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, which handles over 50 million passengers annually.
Constructed in a massive ₹19,650 crore investment, the first phase of NMIA has been designed to handle 20 million passengers per year, with state-of-the-art facilities, seamless passenger flow, and enhanced connectivity. The airport commenced scheduled operations with commercial flights to Delhi and Goa, operated by major carriers including IndiGo and Air India Express.
The inauguration on Christmas Eve featured a spectacular drone show that paid tribute to the thousands of construction workers who contributed to the airport’s creation. Gautam Adani, chairman of the Adani Group, welcomed the first passengers, including soldiers, farmers, and airport staff, highlighting the airport as a symbol of inclusive development benefiting all Mumbaikars.
Officials expressed optimism that the new hub will significantly reduce congestion at Mumbai’s main airport, promote regional economic growth, and strengthen India’s aviation network. Plans for further expansion in the coming years aim to increase capacity and introduce more international routes.
Goa | December 15, 2025: Passengers travelling through Goa International Airport (GOI) experienced multiple flight delays on Monday, December 15, 2025. Airport authorities issued a passenger advisory confirming revised arrival and departure timings for several domestic flights operated by IndiGo and Air India Express.
According to the advisory, IndiGo flight 6E211 operating from Goa (GOI) to Raipur (RPR) has been delayed, with the revised time of departure scheduled at 13:10 hours.
Air India Express flights were also impacted. Flight IX 1108 from Delhi to Goa is now expected to arrive at 11:45 hours, while IX 1109 from Goa to Delhi has a revised departure time of 12:15 hours.
Further delays were reported for Air India Express services later in the day. Flight IX 1339 from Delhi to Goa is scheduled to arrive at 18:10 hours, and IX 1340 from Goa to Delhi will now depart at 18:40 hours.
Airport officials confirmed that a total of 39 flights were scheduled to operate from GOI on December 15, 2025. However, four IndiGo flights were cancelled during the day.
Passengers have been advised to check directly with their respective airlines for the latest updates and to plan their travel accordingly. Authorities continue to monitor the situation and issue timely advisories to ensure passenger convenience and safety.
Air India has announced a significant network expansion for the Northern Winter Schedule 2025, introducing 174 additional weekly flights across key domestic and short-haul international routes starting 26 October 2025. The new schedule strengthens connectivity between major Indian cities and Southeast Asian destinations, reflecting the airline’s commitment to offering greater convenience and choice for travelers.
Among the international enhancements, flights from Delhi to Kuala Lumpur and Denpasar (Bali) will each increase from seven to ten weekly services, effective mid-November and early December respectively. Domestically, the expansion focuses on high-demand destinations in Rajasthan, with new routes such as Delhi–Jaipur and Delhi–Jaisalmer, along with increased frequencies on existing routes including Delhi–Udaipur, Mumbai–Jaipur, and Mumbai–Jodhpur. Additional flights are being introduced across Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and other cities including Varanasi, Port Blair, Guwahati, Raipur, and Amritsar.
This growth follows the near completion of Air India’s comprehensive retrofit program for its legacy Airbus A320neo aircraft, launched in September 2024. Of the 27 aircraft, 26 have been completely refurbished with brand-new interiors featuring Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy Class. With this upgrade, Air India now operates more than 100 A320 Family aircraft with enhanced interiors, serving over 80 domestic and short-haul international destinations.
The expansion is part of the airline’s ongoing transformation plan under Vihaan.AI, which aims to rebuild Air India into a world-class global carrier with an Indian heart. The airline, which returned to the Tata Group in 2022 after seven decades of government ownership, continues to evolve under an ambitious five-year roadmap. With more than 300 aircraft in its fleet and an order for 570 new planes underway, Air India is reshaping the future of Indian aviation through network growth, modern infrastructure, and superior customer experience.
As part of the larger Air India Group, which includes the full-service Air India and low-cost Air India Express, the company is leading the next chapter of Indian aviation by expanding reach, enhancing quality, and strengthening India’s position as a global travel hub.
In a remarkable mid-air emergency turned miracle, a Thai national delivered a healthy baby aboard an Air India Express flight en route from Bangkok to Kochi. The dramatic yet heartwarming incident took place at cruising altitude, with the aircraft crew responding swiftly and compassionately.
The flight crew, supported by a trained nurse who happened to be on board, quickly created a makeshift medical setup and helped the woman through labor. The delivery was successful, and both mother and child were stable when the flight landed safely in Kochi.
Air India Express issued a statement commending the cabin crew and the nurse for their exemplary conduct under pressure, highlighting the training and calmness that enabled them to assist in such a sensitive situation.
This incident is a powerful reminder of how preparedness, compassion, and teamwork can transform a potentially critical situation into one of life’s most joyful moments.
Mother and child are doing well. And somewhere high above the clouds, a new story of birth took flight.
Goa, 8th May 2025 – Goa proudly announces the commencement of scheduled international services to Abu Dhabi and Kuwait, operated by Air India Express. This milestone marks a significant step forward in enhancing the state’s international connectivity, providing greater travel options for tourists, business travelers, and the Goan diaspora, while opening new avenues for tourism, trade, and cultural exchange. The flight schedule for Goa to Kuwait is on Thursdays and Saturdays & for Goa to Abu Dhabi on Mondays and Tuesdays
With these new services, travelers from Kuwait and Abu Dhabi can now easily access Goa’s vast array of offerings — from pristine beaches, lush monsoon landscapes, and waterfalls to its distinctive culinary experiences, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant festivals. The launch underscores Manohar International Airport’s commitment to expanding Goa’s global reach and positioning the state as a sought-after international destination.
Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, remarked “Goa’s international connectivity is about creating bridges between cultures, economies, and people. The launch of Air India Express’ direct flights from Kuwait and Abu Dhabi complements our efforts to attract quality tourism, strengthen the local economy, and establish Goa as a year-round destination. These flights will serve as a catalyst for economic development, cultural exchange, and deeper bilateral ties between Goa and these key international markets.” Speaking on the occasion, Shri. R.V. Sheshan, CEO & Director, GMR Goa International Airport Ltd., said “The launch of direct flights to Kuwait and Abu Dhabi is a landmark achievement for Manohar International Airport. These connections not only improve convenience for travelers but also reinforce Goa’s standing on the global aviation map. We are dedicated to ensuring seamless, world-class travel experiences that benefit both international visitors and the Goan community.”
Shri. Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, Government of Goa, added “The enhanced connectivity provided by these new international flights aligns perfectly with Goa’s vision of promoting regenerative and sustainable tourism. We welcome travelers from Kuwait and Abu Dhabi to explore the unique charm of Goa — beyond its beaches — by immersing themselves in our heritage, hinterlands, festivals, and local communities. This is an important step towards positioning Goa as a globally competitive, culturally rich destination.”
With robust infrastructure, efficient e-Visa facilities, and a commitment to excellence, Manohar International Airport continues to play a pivotal role in driving Goa’s tourism growth, economic prosperity, and international standing.
