- By Akansha Pandey
- Thu, 09 Apr 2026 06:32 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, air travel between India and Dubai has been significantly disrupted. Due to the conflict, only a limited number of airlines are operating on this route. Indian carriers are currently grappling with several operational constraints and restricted schedules through May 2026.
Current Flight Status And Restrictions
Indian careeiers, including Indigo, Air India, Air India Express and SpiceJet are currently unable to maintain their regular flight schedules. Instead, these flights are operating a limited number of "ad-hoc" or non-scheduled flights based on slot availability.
"Air India and Air India Express will together operate the following scheduled and non-scheduled flights, to and from the West Asia region on 08 April 2026, subject to availability of slots and other prevailing conditions at the departure stations at the time." Air India informed on X post.
#ImportantUpdate
— Air India (@airindia) April 7, 2026
Air India and Air India Express will together operate the following scheduled and non-scheduled flights, to and from the West Asia region on 08 April 2026, subject to availability of slots and other prevailing conditions at the departure stations at the time. pic.twitter.com/OFsODo9x9G
A major hurdle has emerged from Dubai Airport authorities, who have restricted foreign airlines to just one daily flight rotation from April 20 to May 31, 2026. While Indian carriers face these constraints, UAE-based airlines like Emirates and flydubai continue to operate at normal, pre-disruption levels.
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The Federation of Indian Airlines (FIA) has approached the Indian government to intervene in Dubai restrictions, citing that these restrictions create an unfair market environment and lead to heavy losses.
Direct Flight Routes From April–May 2026
Currently, direct connectivity is limited to specific hubs:
Delhi: Served by Air India
Mumbai: Served by IndiGo
Mangaluru: Served by Air India Express
Pune: Served by SpiceJet
Airline-Specific Details
- Air India (Delhi–Dubai)
Air India is maintaining one consistent daily flight on this route.
Departure (Delhi): 3:25 pm
Fares: Rs 43,000 to Rs 68,000.
Return (Dubai): 7:30 pm
Fares: AED 1,615 to AED 2,725 (approximately Rs 41,000–Rs 69,000).
- Air India Express (Mangaluru–Dubai)
The airline is running one to two daily direct flights from Mangaluru.
Fares to Dubai: Rs 21,000 to Rs 45,000.
Fares to Mangaluru: Rs 21,000 to ₹72,000.
- SpiceJet (Pune–Dubai)
SpiceJet provides one daily flight connecting Pune to Dubai.
Fares to Dubai: Rs 20,000 to Rs 26,000.
Fares to Pune: Rs 22,000 to Rs 42,000.
- IndiGo (Mumbai–Dubai)
IndiGo is operating a single daily rotation between Mumbai and Dubai.
Fares to Dubai: Rs 19,000 to Rs 35,000.
Fares to Mumbai: AED 664 to AED 1,481 (approx. Rs 16,680–Rs 37,203).
Traveler Advisory: As flight schedules are being reviewed daily in coordination with authorities, passengers are strongly urged to verify their flight status on the respective airline's website before heading to the airport.
