Travellers looking for UAE-India flights now have more options as Air India Express expands its services from Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport.
The airline has launched new direct services connecting Abu Dhabi with Navi Mumbai, Indore and Lucknow, while flights to Guwahati are scheduled to begin on August 7, 2026.
The expansion gives UAE-based travellers more direct connections to major Indian cities and strengthens the growing air travel network between the United Arab Emirates and India.
With strong demand from tourists, business travellers and the large Indian expatriate community, the latest route additions are expected to provide greater choice and convenience for passengers travelling between the two countries.
Table of Contents
UAE-India Flights Expand With Four New Destinations
The latest UAE-India flights expansion adds four destinations to Air India Express’ Abu Dhabi network.
The airline has already started direct flights to:
- Navi Mumbai
- Indore
- Lucknow
Meanwhile, direct flights to Guwahati are scheduled to start on August 7.
The new routes will give travellers more opportunities to reach Indian cities without connecting through another airport.
Abu Dhabi Airports said the expansion reflects efforts to grow the destination network at Zayed International Airport and respond to increasing demand for travel between the UAE and India.
1. Abu Dhabi to Navi Mumbai
One of the newest UAE-India flights connects Abu Dhabi with Navi Mumbai.
The new route is particularly significant as Navi Mumbai International Airport continues to develop its role in India’s aviation network.
The service provides travellers in the UAE with another direct option for reaching India’s Mumbai metropolitan region.
For passengers travelling for business, family visits or tourism, a direct connection can make the journey more convenient by reducing the need for connecting flights.
2. Abu Dhabi to Indore
Air India Express has also added Indore to its Abu Dhabi network.
Indore is the largest city in Madhya Pradesh and an important commercial centre in central India.
The direct route could be particularly useful for UAE residents travelling to central India for business, family visits and holidays.
The addition of Indore further diversifies Abu Dhabi’s connections with Indian cities outside the country’s biggest traditional aviation hubs.
Image 3 Alt Text: Indore India destination connected by UAE-India flights
3. Abu Dhabi to Lucknow
Another new destination is Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh.
Lucknow is known for its history, architecture, cuisine and cultural heritage, while also serving as an important commercial and administrative centre.
The new direct connection provides another travel option for people in the UAE heading to northern India.
For families and business travellers, direct UAE-India flights can make travel between the two regions more convenient.
Image 4 Alt Text: Lucknow India destination for travellers from Abu Dhabi
4. Abu Dhabi to Guwahati
The fourth new route will connect Abu Dhabi with Guwahati, the largest city in Assam and an important gateway to north-eastern India.
Air India Express is scheduled to begin direct Guwahati services on August 7, 2026.
The route could provide a major convenience for passengers travelling between the UAE and north-eastern India, who may otherwise need to use domestic connections after arriving in another Indian city.
Image 5 Alt Text: Guwahati Assam as a new UAE-India flights destination
Why Abu Dhabi-India Connectivity Is Growing
Demand for UAE-India flights remains strong because of the close economic, tourism and community links between the two countries.
The UAE is home to a large Indian expatriate population, while India remains an important destination for tourism, business and family travel.
Airlines operating between the two countries include Air India Express, Air India, IndiGo and Etihad Airways, creating a broad network between Abu Dhabi and Indian cities.
The expansion of direct routes also supports Abu Dhabi’s wider ambitions to increase tourism and international connectivity.
For official information about Abu Dhabi’s airport network, link Abu Dhabi Airports .
More Airlines Connecting India and the UAE
Air India Express is not the only carrier operating UAE-India flights.
Major airlines including Etihad Airways, IndiGo and Air India already connect Abu Dhabi with important Indian destinations.
Existing routes include connections to cities such as Mumbai, New Delhi and Kochi.
The continued addition of new routes gives travellers more options when comparing schedules, fares and departure times.
For passengers, greater competition and more direct connections can make planning UAE-India travel easier.
What the New UAE-India Flights Mean for Travellers
The expansion offers several benefits for passengers.
More Direct Connections
Travellers can reach additional Indian cities directly from Abu Dhabi without unnecessary connections.
Greater Choice
Passengers can compare airlines, schedules and fares across a wider range of routes.
Easier Family Travel
Direct services can be especially convenient for UAE residents travelling to India to visit relatives.
Better Business Connectivity
New routes can support business travel between the UAE and India’s growing commercial centres.
More Tourism Opportunities
Travellers can explore destinations beyond India’s traditional major tourist cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which new Indian cities can you fly to from Abu Dhabi?
Air India Express has launched direct services to Navi Mumbai, Indore and Lucknow, while Guwahati services are scheduled to begin August 7, 2026.
When will Abu Dhabi-Guwahati flights begin?
Direct flights to Guwahati are scheduled to begin on August 7, 2026.
Which airlines operate UAE-India flights?
Air India Express, Air India, IndiGo and Etihad Airways are among the airlines operating routes between the UAE and India.
Why are more UAE-India flights being added?
The expansion reflects strong demand from tourists, business travellers and the large Indian expatriate community in the UAE.
Which airport does Air India Express use in Abu Dhabi?
The new services operate from Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi.
Final Thoughts
The expansion of UAE-India flights is giving travellers more direct options between Abu Dhabi and India.
Air India Express has added Navi Mumbai, Indore and Lucknow to its Abu Dhabi network, with Guwahati set to join the network on August 7.
The new routes strengthen connectivity between the UAE and several important Indian regions while offering more choices for tourists, business travellers and the Indian expatriate community.
As airlines continue expanding their networks, travellers can expect Abu Dhabi’s connections with India to become even broader and more convenient.
