In a significant milestone in regional air connectivity, Air India Express will launch the first direct flights linking northeastern India with the Gulf in August, according to Arab News.
The Gulf remains one of the top overseas destinations for Indian travelers each year, with the UAE and Saudi Arabia consistently leading the rankings. Official data showed that over 14 million Indians traveled to the region in 2024.
“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.
As part of its ongoing efforts to boost regional connectivity, Air India Express, the low-cost subsidiary of flag carrier Air India, will kick off direct flights from Guwahati, the largest city in northeastern India, to Dubai and Abu Dhabi on Aug. 4 and Aug. 7, respectively.
For the first time, Guwahati International Airport will provide a direct link to the Gulf under the new routes, offering easier access to a region where around 9 million Indians live and work.
The airline also unveiled a new route between Navi Mumbai International Airport and Abu Dhabi, with flights scheduled to begin in July, further broadening its network linking India and West Asia.
A report released last year by London-based research consultancy Capital Economics said that India is anticipated to become the world’s fourth-largest outbound tourism market by 2035, behind the United States, China and Germany.
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