Nagpur: If you've been waiting for more direct flights out of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, 2026 is shaping up to be a big year! With passenger numbers already bouncing back strong (over 26 lakh from Jan-Nov 2025 and daily footfall hitting 9,000+), the airport is gearing up for expansions, new routes, and even some game-changing infrastructure. The buzz from Advantage Vidarbha 2026—especially Adani Group's push into aviation and defence—has everyone talking about Nagpur becoming a real aviation hub. Here's the latest scoop on what's happening, new flights on the horizon, and how it could make travel easier for us locals.

What's New at Nagpur Airport in 2026?

GMR Airports took over operations late last year (December 2025), and they're already planning a massive ₹3,275-crore upgrade to boost capacity, modernize the terminal, and fix airside/landside infrastructure. Passenger traffic is recovering fast after a dip in 2024—now with 60+ daily flight movements. Adani's involvement adds excitement: Their acquisition of Indamer Technics has expanded the 30-acre MRO (maintenance, repair, overhaul) complex at MIHAN-SEZ to 15 aircraft bays with FAA/DGCA certifications. Nagpur could soon be an international MRO center, creating jobs and attracting more aviation activity.

Big Infrastructure Highlights

• India's Longest Taxiway Planned: Extension under MIHAN-SEZ to make it 2 km long (up from 1.4 km)—huge for efficiency and handling bigger aircraft.
• Adani's Defence & Aerospace Push: Partnerships like with Leonardo for helicopter manufacturing and Indamer for MRO—could mean more flights for testing/business travel.
• Terminal Upgrades: Ongoing tenders for expansion, pavements, and more—aiming for smoother check-ins, better lounges, and higher capacity.

New Flights & Routes to Watch in 2026

Airlines are eyeing Nagpur more seriously:

• Akasa Air securing slots—likely starting Pune or Bengaluru routes soon.
• Air India Express planning Nagpur–Navi Mumbai, plus potential Bengaluru, Delhi, and others early this year.
• RCS (Regional Connectivity) flights rumored for Raipur, Bhopal, Patna—great for shorter hops.
• Overall: More point-to-point options could cut layovers to metros like Delhi/Mumbai.

Are you excited about more direct flights from Nagpur? Which destination do you want most? Share in the comments—maybe your wish will come true soon! Follow NagpurMail.in for airport alerts, flight deals, and Vidarbha travel news. Safe journeys, Orange City! ✈️🌍