Air India will operate daily direct Mumbai- Abu Dhabi flights from November 1, 2010, as part of the airline's expansion plans of its services between the two cities. This frequency increase from five flights per week to daily came as a response to the growing demand that the market is witnessing for more flights to and from the Indian sub- continent, stated an Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) statement.

Air India will operate a state-of-the-art A321 aircraft departing from Abu Dhabi at 02:40 am, local time, and arriving in Mumbai at 6:55 am, local time. The airline will offer both Business and Economy Class services.

During the first half of 2010, passenger traffic in the Indian market has recorded an increase of 17 per cent, compared to the same period in 2009. These additional services raise Air India's total number of flights to Abu Dhabi to 14, connecting the UAE capital with both Mumbai and Delhi.

“We are delighted to see that our airline partners are keen to expand their services to meet our passengers' growing demand,” said Ahmed Al Haddabi, Senior Vice President Airports' Operations, ADAC.

Jagmit Singh, Manager, Air India (Abu Dhabi and Al Ain) said, “Air India is pleased to announce this increase in frequency on the Mumbai-Abu Dhabi route, which reflects our confidence in the Abu Dhabi market; a market which is progressing towards its impressive vision for 2030.”