Indian budget carrier Air India Express will launch direct flights between northeastern India and the Gulf in August, the airline has said, marking the first route of its kind. The low-cost unit under flag carrier Air India will operate flights from Guwahati, the largest metropolis in northeast India, to Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Flight Schedule and Details
According to the airline's statement on Thursday, the direct flights to Dubai will commence on August 4, 2026, while services to Abu Dhabi will start on August 7, 2026. These routes are designed to support tourism, trade, and cultural exchange, bringing Northeast India closer to key global markets.
The new flights mark the first time that Guwahati's international airport will be directly connected to a country in the Gulf region, where about 9 million Indians live and work. Many travelers from India's eastern and northeastern states have traditionally relied on connecting flights through major airports such as New Delhi for international trips.
Significance for Regional Connectivity
“The new routes are expected to support tourism, trade, and cultural exchange, while bringing Northeast India closer to key global markets and opportunities,” the airline said in a statement. Air India Express added that the services represent a significant milestone in expanding international travel options and strengthening global connectivity for the region.
Gulf countries consistently rank among the top 10 destinations for Indians traveling abroad every year, with the UAE and Saudi Arabia topping the list. In 2024, more than 14 million Indian travelers visited the region, official data showed.
Expanding Network and Industry Trends
The airline also announced new flights from Mumbai's new international airport, Navi Mumbai, to Abu Dhabi in July, adding to its large network connecting India and West Asia. Indian airlines have recently boosted efforts to meet the growing demand for travel to the Gulf.
Earlier this month, Riyadh Air and Air India announced a new partnership agreement, which could introduce both interline and codeshare arrangements in the near future. It follows Air India's codeshare agreement with Saudia, which was announced in February.
Market Outlook
India is expected to become the world's fourth-largest outbound tourism market by 2035, behind the US, China and Germany, according to London-based research consultancy Capital Economics last year.
