Air India Announces Direct Flights from Guwahati to Dubai and Abu Dhabi Starting August 4
In a significant boost for travel between India and the UAE, Air India has announced the launch of direct flights connecting Guwahati in Assam to both Dubai and Abu Dhabi beginning August 4, 2026. The new routes mark a major expansion of India’s growing aviation links with the Gulf region and provide travelers from northeastern India with convenient, nonstop access to the Emirates.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed the announcement, noting that the new service would reduce travel time significantly for the large expatriate community from the northeastern states who work and live in the UAE. Currently, travelers from Guhahati must route through major hubs like Delhi, Mumbai, or Kolkata before connecting to Dubai or Abu Dhabi flights.
The direct routes are expected to carry a mix of business travelers, visiting families, and tourism passengers. The UAE is home to one of the largest Indian expatriate communities in the world, with over 3.5 million Indians residing across the Emirates. Many of these residents trace their roots to Assam and the broader northeastern region of India.
Aviation industry watchers see the move as part of Air India’s broader strategy under Tata Group ownership to expand its international network, particularly on routes connecting India to the Middle East, where demand has been surging. The airline has been adding new destinations and increasing frequencies on existing routes to capture the rapidly growing India-Gulf travel market.
For UAE-based travelers, the new service opens up new tourism and business opportunities in India’s northeastern states, which are known for their stunning tea gardens, wildlife sanctuaries, and unique cultural heritage. Regional tourism boards in Assam have expressed optimism that increased air connectivity will drive visitor numbers and bilateral trade.
The announcement comes amid a broader uptick in aviation activity across the UAE, with airlines based in the Emirates also expanding their Indian route networks. The competitive environment is expected to bring benefits for passengers through improved service and more competitive fares on India-Gulf routes this year.