Daman Launches First Commercial Flight to New Delhi

The first scheduled commercial flight from NAMO Airport in Daman to New Delhi was launched on Wednesday.

Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu, flagged off the inaugural flight in the presence of Administrator of Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, Praful Patel.

The launch of commercial operations comes just over a month after Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated NAMO Airport on June 5, 2026. This fulfills a long-standing aspiration of the people of Daman and significantly strengthens regional air connectivity.

Alliance Air has introduced a scheduled Daman–Delhi–Daman flight operating every Monday and Wednesday. A Mumbai–Daman–Ahmedabad route is also expected to commence shortly, providing direct connectivity to major commercial and administrative centres across the country.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Union Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu described the launch as a landmark achievement under the Centre's regional connectivity initiatives. He said the new air service would boost tourism, trade, investment and employment while making travel faster, safer and more convenient for residents, business travellers and tourists.

Administrator Praful Patel said the commencement of commercial flights marks a new chapter in Daman's development journey. He noted that sustained investment in modern infrastructure over the past decade has transformed the Union Territory and expressed confidence that enhanced air connectivity would attract greater tourism, facilitate business expansion, encourage investment and generate new employment opportunities.

The airport's Civil Terminal Building foundation stone was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in April 2023, and was completed in just three years. The Ministry of Defence has also approved the runway extension plan, paving the way for operations of larger defence aircraft as well as Airbus A320-class civilian aircraft in the future.

The launch of scheduled commercial services from NAMO Airport is expected to position Daman as an emerging aviation and tourism hub on India's western coast, while providing a major impetus to regional economic growth and connectivity.

This development is significant for the region, as it will improve connectivity and boost economic growth. The new air service will also make travel faster, safer and more convenient for residents, business travellers and tourists.

In the coming months, the airport is expected to see increased activity, with more flights and routes being added. This will further strengthen Daman's position as a major aviation hub in the region.

The success of NAMO Airport is a testament to the government's efforts to improve regional connectivity and boost economic growth. The airport's launch is a major milestone in the region's development journey, and is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy and community.

The launch of commercial flights from NAMO Airport marks a new era in Daman's development journey, and is expected to bring significant benefits to the region. With its strategic location and modern infrastructure, Daman is poised to become a major player in the region's aviation and tourism industry.