Surat: Good news for air travellers in South Gujarat! Direct Surat to Navi Mumbai Flights are set to begin from October 25, 2026, giving passengers a much faster alternative to road and connecting-flight travel between the two cities.
The service will be operated by Air India Express under its Winter Schedule 2026. The airline’s booking system is already showing Surat–Navi Mumbai and Navi Mumbai–Surat flights for dates beginning October 25.
The biggest attraction for passengers is the 55-minute non-stop flying time. The new connection is expected to be particularly useful for business travellers, tourists and passengers from Surat who want convenient access to Navi Mumbai and the rapidly expanding air network from the new airport.
Surat-Navi Mumbai Direct Flight to Start October 25
According to the currently published schedule, Air India Express will operate the new route daily. The service will connect Surat Airport (STV) with Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMI) without a stopover.
This is a notable improvement over the current situation. Flight-schedule databases were still showing no direct Surat-Navi Mumbai service in late August, with available options requiring a connection. With the new service, passengers will be able to cover the approximately 244-km air distance between the two cities in less than an hour of flying time.
Surat to Navi Mumbai Flight Timings
The currently listed schedule shows the following timings:
| Flight | Route | Departure | Arrival | Flying Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IX 1535 | Surat → Navi Mumbai | 11:15 PM | 12:10 AM* | 55 minutes |
| IX 1534 | Navi Mumbai → Surat | 5:00 AM | 5:55 AM | 55 minutes |
*Arrival is on the following day.
The flights are currently listed as non-stop services. The published schedule indicates a daily frequency. Passengers should check the airline’s booking system before travelling because flight schedules, fares and timings can change.
Air India Express to Operate the New Route
The new Surat-Navi Mumbai connection will be operated by Air India Express. The airline’s official booking platform is already displaying Surat–Navi Mumbai flights for October and November 2026, including October 25, the planned first day of the new service. The route is being introduced as part of the airline’s Winter Schedule 2026, which begins on October 25.
The flight numbers currently associated with the service are:
- IX 1535: Surat to Navi Mumbai
- IX 1534: Navi Mumbai to Surat
Why the New Surat-Navi Mumbai Flight Is Important
The new flight could be particularly valuable because Navi Mumbai International Airport is emerging as an important aviation hub for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
Instead of travelling by road for several hours or taking a connecting flight, Surat passengers will have a direct air connection to Navi Mumbai. For business travellers, the 55-minute flight could make same-day travel between the two cities considerably easier. It could also help passengers from Surat access destinations connected through Navi Mumbai without first travelling to Mumbai’s existing airport.
Navi Mumbai Airport Is Rapidly Expanding
The new flight comes at a time when Navi Mumbai International Airport is rapidly increasing its passenger traffic.
The airport crossed the 3-million-passenger mark on September 1, 2026, less than nine months after beginning commercial operations on December 25, 2025. The growth of the new airport is important for Gujarat travellers because Navi Mumbai can provide an additional gateway to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and onward domestic and international destinations. The Surat connection could therefore become more than simply a point-to-point flight between two neighbouring cities.
Surat to Navi Mumbai Flight: Current Fare Information
The airline’s booking platform is already displaying fares for the new route. For some October 2026 dates, fares are currently shown from around ₹5,843 one way in economy, although fares vary according to travel date, availability and fare type. Travel portals have also listed the service with fares around ₹6,000 for October 25, although these prices are dynamic and can change at any time.
Passengers should therefore consider the displayed fare as a current booking indication rather than a fixed ticket price.
Surat-Navi Mumbai Flight vs Road Travel
The new air service could be especially attractive to passengers who value time. The actual door-to-door journey will, of course, be longer than the 55-minute flying time because passengers need to reach the airport, complete security checks and collect baggage after arrival. However, the direct flight removes the need for a long road journey or an airport connection.
This could make the service particularly useful for:
- Business travellers
- Corporate executives
- Tourists
- Students and families
- Passengers travelling onward from Navi Mumbai
- Surat residents visiting Mumbai and Navi Mumbai
- Passengers looking for an alternative to road travel
New Opportunity for Surat’s Air Connectivity
Surat Airport has been steadily expanding its network, and the Navi Mumbai route adds another important domestic connection.
The new service could also improve the strategic importance of Surat Airport by linking it directly with a major new airport serving the Mumbai region. For Surat’s business community, the connection may be particularly significant. The city is one of India’s major diamond and textile centres, while the Mumbai Metropolitan Region remains a major commercial and financial hub. A faster direct air connection can therefore support both business and leisure travel.
What Passengers Should Know Before Booking
The October 25 launch date and flight timings are based on the currently published airline schedule. Passengers should verify the final schedule with Air India Express before making travel plans. The airline’s website currently lists Surat–Navi Mumbai services, confirming that the route is available for advance booking. Ticket prices are dynamic and can change depending on demand, booking date, travel date and fare category.
Also read, Big Relief for Surat! Air India Express to Resume Direct Sharjah Flights From November
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