Air India Express expands Mumbai-UAE corridor

Air India Express will be the first carrier to operate internationally from Navi Mumbai International Airport, launching direct flights to Abu Dhabi from 15 July, boosting connectivity between India's financial capital region and the UAE, Zawya reports. The route will initially operate twice a week before increasing to three weekly flights from 29 July.

Why it matters: The India-UAE aviation corridor is one of the busiest international travel markets for Indian carriers. For Navi Mumbai Airport, securing its first international route is a key step toward establishing itself as a competitive gateway alongside Mumbai's existing airport and capturing growing Gulf-bound passenger traffic.

World Bank backs India’s reform agenda

The World Bank has approved USD 1.5 bn in financing to support reforms that accelerate private-sector-led job creation and sustain long-term economic growth in India, as per a statement. The funding is designed to help India address development financing needs while advancing key economic reforms.

Focus on jobs and investment: The program could help create employment windows for the nearly 11 mn young people expected to enter India's labor market annually over the next two decades.