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The Message for Travellers is Clear: Connectivity is improving, choices are expanding, and competition is intensifying
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Those who plan ahead, stay flexible with airports and dates, and track new route launches stand to benefit most as the UAE–India air travel market enters a new phase of growth
Travel between the UAE and India is poised to become easier, faster and more competitive in 2026, as new airlines enter the market and existing carriers expand routes across one of the world’s busiest aviation corridors. With millions of Indian expatriates living in the UAE and sustained demand from tourists, students and business travellers, airlines are adding capacity and sharpening prices to capture a larger share of the market.
A major development is the entry of two new airlines—Al Hind Air and FlyExpress—both of which have received their government no-objection certificates to begin operations next year. While their common goal is to improve affordability, their strategies cater to different traveller segments.
Al Hind Air, backed by the Kerala-based Alhind Group, is expected to appeal strongly to the Gulf-based Indian expatriate community. Operating from Kochi as its main hub, the airline plans to begin with domestic services in South India before launching direct international flights to Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi in late 2026 using Airbus A320neo aircraft. With the group’s long-standing presence in travel services, visas and labour recruitment, the airline is expected to introduce bundled offerings that combine flights with insurance and ground services, potentially lowering overall travel costs.
FlyExpress, meanwhile, is positioning itself as a regional connector focused on Central and Western India. Based out of Hyderabad, it aims to link Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities directly with the UAE, reducing the need for long road or rail journeys to major hubs. By operating a “combi” model that carries both passengers and cargo, FlyExpress plans to offset operating costs and keep fares competitive.
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Another game changer is the full-scale operation of Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA)
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To ease congestion at Mumbai’s main airport, carriers such as Akasa Air and Air India Express have shifted several UAE-bound services to NMIA
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For travellers, this offers smoother transfers, shorter travel times for destinations like Pune and New Mumbai, and attractive launch fares that are often cheaper than flights to the traditional Mumbai terminal
Route expansion is also accelerating. Air India Express, now operating a 100-aircraft fleet, has launched multiple non-stop services from Abu Dhabi to cities such as Pune and Delhi. Akasa Air has expanded its UAE footprint from Sharjah, particularly benefiting travellers from the Northern Emirates. Many of these flights are scheduled during early morning or late-night “golden hours,” allowing passengers to maximise their time on arrival.
With capacity increasing, fares have stabilised. For early 2026, one-way tickets from Dubai to major Indian cities like Delhi or Mumbai are available from around AED 350–450 on budget carriers when booked a few weeks in advance. Bank tie-ups, app-exclusive discounts and Navi Mumbai promotional fares are further sweetening deals.
