The New Middle East Express
The skies between India and the Middle East are getting busier and more competitive, which is great news for travellers. In a major recent development, Saudi Arabia's new premium airline, Riyadh Air, announced its entry into India with daily direct flights
between Mumbai and Riyadh starting August 4, 2026. This new service on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aims to cater to both business and leisure travellers, offering onward connectivity to Europe and other global destinations. Adding to the options, another Saudi carrier, flyadeal, has just launched its own daily direct flights between Hyderabad and Riyadh as of early July 2026, marking its debut in the Indian market. This increased competition is expected to provide more choices and potentially competitive fares for one of India's busiest international travel corridors, strengthening business and tourism ties.
Seamless Travel from Tier-2 Cities
A significant hurdle for international travellers from smaller Indian cities has been the hassle of multiple check-ins. That is now changing. Air India recently launched its 'Easy Connect' initiative, a hub-and-spoke model designed to streamline international travel. Passengers from cities like Varanasi, Amritsar, Ahmedabad, Kochi, and Hyderabad can now check in their baggage and clear immigration at their origin airport before seamlessly connecting to an international flight from a major hub like New Delhi. The first service connects Varanasi to destinations including Dubai, Riyadh, and Phuket via Delhi, effectively ending the need to exit and re-enter airports during transit. This move makes global travel far more convenient for a huge number of Indians living outside the traditional metro hubs.
Europe is Getting Closer
For those dreaming of a European holiday, there are several positive developments. Air India Express has announced plans to launch its first-ever European service with non-stop flights to Georgia, expected to begin by the winter of 2026-27. While direct flight news is exciting, changes in visa rules are equally impactful. The Schengen Area has fully implemented its 'cascade regime' for Indian travellers. This means that after lawfully using two Schengen visas, applicants can qualify for a two-year multiple-entry visa, followed by a five-year visa, making frequent trips much simpler. Furthermore, both Germany and France have recently eased rules, allowing many Indian passport holders to transit through their airports to a non-Schengen destination without needing a separate airport transit visa.
The Unstoppable Southeast Asia Boom
Southeast Asia remains a firm favourite for Indian travellers, and airlines are responding to the demand. Air India is boosting its connectivity with new direct flights to Hanoi, tapping into Vietnam's rising popularity as a destination known for its rich culture and affordability. This adds to a growing list of accessible destinations. Malaysia has extended its visa-free entry policy for Indians until the end of 2026, allowing for stays of up to 30 days. Thailand continues to be a top choice with its visa-on-arrival facility and incredible variety, from bustling Bangkok to serene beaches. With airlines like Air India Express also adding direct connections like Varanasi to Bangkok, these beautiful and budget-friendly countries have never been easier to explore.
Expanding Horizons: New Global Links
Beyond the immediate neighbourhood, new routes are forging stronger links between India and the rest of the world. In early 2026, Air India restored a critical business link by launching direct flights from Delhi to Shanghai. Looking west, SWISS Air is set to launch a new five-weekly service from Bengaluru to its hub in Zurich starting in October 2026. This not only provides a direct link to Switzerland but also offers convenient one-stop connections to a wide network of cities across the United States, including New York, Chicago, and San Francisco. These long-haul expansions are crucial for business, education, and leisure, shortening distances and opening up new opportunities for Indian travellers to explore the globe.
