Dubai Caps Foreign Flights To 'One A Day'; Indian Carriers Hit Hardest

New Delhi: Dubai has limited foreign airlines to just one daily flight to its airports until May 31 due to the Iran crisis, raising concerns of major revenue losses for Indian carriers, a Reuters report said. The restriction affects flights to both Dubai International Airport (DXB) - one of the world’s busiest international hubs - and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).The Federation of Indian Airlines (FIA), which represents major carriers like IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet, has urged the Indian government to intervene. In a March 31 letter, the FIA asked India to push Dubai to lift the curbs or consider reciprocal restrictions on UAE airlines like Emirates and flydubai.Also Read: SpiceJet Begins Layoffs as Cash Crunch Worsens, Over 500

Staff Likely to Be Hit Indian airlines are already under pressure. They are facing higher fuel costs and longer flight routes after being banned from using Pakistani airspace following military tensions last year.According to an internal email from Dubai Airports dated March 27 and seen by Reuters, foreign airlines will be allowed only one round trip per day during the summer schedule from April 20 to May 31.“Carriers continue to be limited to one rotation per day, until capacity allows more to be facilitated ... Additional slots will be allocated if capacity is available,” Dubai Airports said.The FIA warned that the curbs are not being applied equally to UAE carriers, creating an uneven playing field that could lead to “substantial” revenue losses for Indian airlines.India is the largest source of passengers for Dubai, with 11.9 million travellers passing through DXB in 2025. Indian airlines had planned hundreds of flights for April and May, far more than most global carriers.Also Read: Limited Middle East Airspace Reopens; A List Of Airlines Resuming Flights And Other DetailsIndiGo said the crisis and restrictions have “significantly constrained” its operations.“As a result, a significant portion of IndiGo’s capacity and aircraft time is currently underutilised,” the airline said.Similarly, Air India Express said the curbs have “significantly curtailed” its services despite strong demand and highlighted the need for a “fair and reciprocal operating framework.”Meanwhile, global airlines like Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, and British Airways have suspended Dubai flights until May 31 and are shifting focus to other profitable routes.