New services to Navi Mumbai, Indore, Lucknow and Guwahati strengthen India-UAE air connectivity for travellers and the Indian diaspora
Air India Express has expanded its operations from Abu Dhabi with the launch of four new direct routes to India, further strengthening air links between the UAE and some of the country’s fastest-growing cities.
The airline has introduced non-stop flights from Abu Dhabi to Navi Mumbai, Indore and Lucknow, while direct services to Guwahati in Assam are scheduled to begin on August 7. The expansion is aimed at meeting growing demand from business travellers, tourists and the large Indian expatriate community living in the UAE.
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The new routes increase travel options for passengers flying through Zayed International Airport and improve connectivity to key regions across western, central, northern and north-eastern India
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The Guwahati service is particularly significant as it enhances direct access between the Gulf and India’s North-East, reducing travel times for passengers who previously relied on connecting flights
Abu Dhabi Airports said the additional services form part of ongoing efforts to expand the airport’s destination network and strengthen its position as a regional aviation hub. Air India Express, meanwhile, described the UAE as one of its most important international markets, with Abu Dhabi playing a central role in its growth strategy.
The expansion comes as travel demand between India and the UAE continues to rise, supported by strong business ties, tourism and one of the world’s largest Indian overseas communities. Several airlines have also been increasing capacity on India-UAE routes in recent months to cater to sustained passenger demand.
Air India Express, part of the Air India Group, now operates more than 500 daily flights across an expanding domestic and international network. The airline’s latest additions are expected to provide greater convenience for travellers while supporting economic and people-to-people links between India and the UAE.



