Travelers from Northeast India are set to benefit from enhanced international connectivity as Air India Express announces direct flights from Guwahati to Dubai and Abu Dhabi. These new routes, commencing in August 2026, will establish the first direct air link between the region and West Asia.
New Routes and Schedule
The new services will originate from Guwahati’s Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport. The flight connecting Guwahati with Dubai is scheduled to begin on August 4, 2026, while the service to Abu Dhabi will follow shortly after, commencing on August 7, 2026. This expansion was previously highlighted by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, underscoring its significance for the state and the broader Northeast region.
Boosting Regional Connectivity
For years, passengers from India’s eastern and northeastern states have relied on connecting flights through major metropolitan hubs like Delhi and Kolkata for international travel. The introduction of these direct routes by Air India Express is expected to dramatically reduce travel time and offer more convenient options for residents, business travelers, and tourists.
With these additions, Guwahati's international connectivity expands significantly. The city will now have direct links to four countries: the United Arab Emirates, Thailand, Singapore, and Bhutan, marking a new era for air travel from the region.
Air India Express’s Growing Presence
These new international operations represent Air India Express's first direct overseas flights from Guwahati. The airline currently maintains a substantial presence in the region, operating approximately 120 weekly flights from Guwahati alone. Across the four stations in Northeast India—Dibrugarh, Dimapur, Guwahati, and Imphal—Air India Express runs over 290 weekly flights, demonstrating its commitment to strengthening air travel infrastructure in the area.
The airline also promotes regional culture through its ‘Tales of India’ initiative, featuring local art and cultural motifs on its aircraft. This includes traditional designs like Assam’s Gamosa and Jaapi motifs, alongside other distinctive art forms from the northeastern states, celebrating the rich heritage of the region.