- Air India Express is expanding its Abu Dhabi footprint with new direct services from Navi Mumbai, Indore, Lucknow and the upcoming Guwahati route, strengthening connectivity between India and the UAE.
- The airline now connects 14 Indian cities to Abu Dhabi through 75 weekly non-stop flights, creating greater opportunities for leisure, business and trade travel.
- Zayed International Airport is expanding its direct flight network from 17 to 22 Indian cities amid surging passenger demand.
- The expansion comes as India cements its position as one of Abu Dhabi’s most important international travel markets, with Indian passengers representing around 24% of total passenger traffic at the airport.
- Around 7 million Indian travellers use the airport every year, with approximately 5 million being point-to-point travellers.
- The demand for additional flights has reached a level where carriers are approaching the limits of currently available capacity allowances.
Air India Express is significantly enhancing its connectivity to Abu Dhabi by introducing new direct flights from Navi Mumbai, Indore, and Lucknow, with an upcoming route to Guwahati. This expansion increases the airline's network to 14 Indian cities and operates 75 weekly non-stop flights to Abu Dhabi, reflecting a strong commitment to improving travel options between India and the UAE.12
Nipun Aggarwal, Chairman of Air India Express, stated, “The launch of new routes to Abu Dhabi from Navi Mumbai, Indore and Lucknow reflects our commitment to strengthening connectivity between India and one of our most important international markets.” This expansion is expected to create more opportunities for travelers, supporting tourism, trade, and cultural exchanges.
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi has welcomed this initiative, emphasizing the importance of the relationship between the UAE and India. Haitham Al Khamis, Acting-Director of Tourism Products Development, remarked, “The launch of Air India Express’s new Navi Mumbai service reflects the strength of the relationship between the UAE and India.”
Currently, Indian passengers account for approximately 24% of total traffic at Zayed International Airport, with around 7 million Indian travelers using the airport annually. The expansion is timely, as Indian passenger traffic is growing at more than 20% year-on-year, indicating a robust demand for air travel between the two regions.3
The airline's growth from a fleet of around 25 aircraft to over 100 aircraft in three years underscores its commitment to meeting this rising demand, further solidifying its role in connecting India with the UAE.
“The first passengers on the Navi Mumbai-Abu Dhabi route were welcomed with a dinner at Zayed National Museum, as the new service adds to Abu Dhabi's record 26.6 million visitors in 2025. Indian travelers now account for about 24% of Zayed International Airport's traffic, with 7 million annual passengers and 20% year-on-year growth.”
Trav Talk
