People travelling from north-eastern India to the UAE are about to get a much easier journey. From August 4, direct flights from Guwahati in Assam to both Abu Dhabi and Dubai will begin operations, giving the region its first-ever non-stop air connection to the UAE. For years, passengers heading to the Gulf usually had to change flights through major cities such as Delhi or Kolkata. That extra step is finally going away.
Abu Dhabi And Dubai To Get First Direct Flights From Assam Without Layovers
The announcement was shared by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who called it a major step forward for the region’s international connectivity. For many families, students and workers travelling between Assam and the Gulf, the journey has often been longer than necessary.
A trip that usually involved waiting around at another airport before catching a connecting flight can now become much more straightforward. The new routes are expected to save both time and hassle, especially for frequent travellers.
Air India is set to operate the flights. But details such as ticket prices, schedules and weekly frequencies are still awaited.
Guwahati Is Adding More International Connections
The UAE will become the fourth country directly connected to Guwahati’s Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport.
At present, passengers can already fly directly to Thailand, Singapore and Bhutan from the city. The addition of Abu Dhabi and Dubai further expands the airport’s growing international reach.
Also, there could be more announcements on the way. Sarma said direct flights to Vietnam are expected to start in the near future as well.
A Boost After Travel Advisory Changes
The flight announcement comes shortly after several European countries removed travel advisories that had covered large parts of Assam for decades. Those advisories were originally introduced because of security concerns linked to insurgency-related activities in the region.
Following a review of the security situation, most restrictions have now been withdrawn, although some districts remain under cautionary guidance. State officials believe the move could help attract more international visitors and encourage greater engagement with the region.
UAE-India Air Links Keep Expanding
The new Guwahati routes arrive at a time when air travel between India and the UAE continues to grow.
Just weeks ago, Air India Express announced direct flights between Navi Mumbai International Airport and Abu Dhabi starting from July 15. The service made Abu Dhabi the first international destination linked to Mumbai’s newest airport.
With Guwahati now joining the list, travellers from India’s north-east are finally getting a direct gateway to one of the world’s busiest travel corridors.
Cover Image Courtesy: Air India/Website
For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE.First Published: June 23, 2026 12:39 PM
FAQs
Will ticket prices be announced soon?
So far, authorities have not released fares or complete flight schedules.
Which airline will operate these routes?
Air India has been announced as the operator of the new flights.
When will the Guwahati-UAE flights begin?
The direct services to Abu Dhabi and Dubai are scheduled to start on August 4.