SpiceJet opens Najaf from Mumbai and Ahmedabad

Published on Oct 17, 2025, 11:14 am CDT

3 min read

Key points

Nonstop Najaf flights start October 18 and 19
First Indian carrier with direct Najaf service
One-stop U.S. access via Mumbai and Ahmedabad
Gulf Air interline could enable through fares
Pilgrim demand drives schedule choice

Impact

Airports: Al Najaf International Airport (NJF) gains first nonstop links from Mumbai and Ahmedabad.
Flights: Special nonstop services begin October 18 from Mumbai and October 19 from Ahmedabad.
Travelers: U.S. pilgrims can connect via Indian or Gulf hubs, with potential single-ticket options.
Outlook: Additional dates are listed by SpiceJet; watch for schedule extensions if demand holds.

SpiceJet will begin nonstop flights to Al Najaf International Airport (NJF) from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) on October 18, and from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD) on October 19. The carrier says the new service is aimed at Indian pilgrim travel to the holy city, and it becomes the only Indian airline flying directly to Najaf. For U.S. readers, the play is simpler one-stop itineraries via Indian hubs and the possibility of through-ticketing where interline partnerships apply.

SpiceJet Najaf launch, routes, and timing

SpiceJet's first-party schedule page lists rolling Najaf service dates beginning October 18 from Mumbai, followed by rotations in late October and November, indicating a programmed series of flights rather than daily service at launch. Ahmedabad service begins October 19 on a similar pattern. Travelers should confirm exact operating days when booking.

Latest developments

Indian business press reports the launch as special nonstop flights for pilgrims, with Mumbai starting October 18 and Ahmedabad on October 19. Early coverage also underscores that SpiceJet is currently the sole Indian airline with direct Najaf service.

Analysis

For U.S. travelers headed to Najaf, the most practical approach is a single connection into India, then a nonstop on SpiceJet. U.S. gateways have extensive lift to Mumbai and Ahmedabad via European and Gulf hubs, tightening total journey times compared with multi-stop routings into Iraq. Once in India, SpiceJet's Najaf legs remove the need for cross-border changes on regional carriers.

Through-fare options look most promising where commercial partnerships exist. SpiceJet recently announced an interline with Gulf Air, which could enable single-ticket journeys that combine Gulf Air long-haul segments with SpiceJet's Najaf flights, subject to inventory and pricing. SpiceJet has also had a codeshare and interline framework with Emirates, which historically expanded ticketing reach, though travelers should verify current availability at time of purchase. These links, if active for Najaf inventory, can simplify baggage handling and irregular operations.

If your itinerary includes Mumbai during festival season, build extra time for airport approaches and check-in, as local congestion and weather can stretch buffers. See our India coverage for recent patterns and planning tips, including monsoon-related delays and holiday demand spikes. Read more: Mumbai rains disrupt flights and trains, red alerts in place, and Diwali travel outlook: traffic, flights, air quality.

Final thoughts

SpiceJet opens Najaf from Mumbai and Ahmedabad at a moment of strong pilgrim demand and tight regional capacity. For U.S. travelers, one-stop routings into India plus potential interline ticketing offer a cleaner path to Najaf than past multi-stop options. Watch for added frequencies if demand persists, but for now, the headline is simple: SpiceJet opens Najaf from Mumbai and Ahmedabad, and that unlocks a more direct journey.