The Skies Have Opened Up
Indian carriers, particularly budget-friendly airlines, are aggressively expanding their footprint in West Asia. Air India Express, for instance, has recently restored its entire network to the region, now operating approximately 780 weekly flights connecting
18 Indian cities to 13 destinations across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait. The airline recently resumed key services to Salalah and Kuwait from cities like Kozhikode and Bengaluru. This restoration follows a period of disruption and signals a renewed confidence in the travel corridor. New routes have also been launched, including services from Navi Mumbai and Guwahati to Abu Dhabi. This surge means more direct flights, increased frequencies, and greater choice for passengers from various Indian cities.
More Options, More Destinations
The expansion isn't just about adding more flights to established hubs like Dubai. Airlines are connecting more Indian cities to a wider array of West Asian destinations. For example, Air India Express has been connecting cities like Guwahati and Pune to the Gulf. This allows travellers from Tier-2 cities to fly directly, avoiding layovers in major Indian metros. The focus is also shifting to highlight destinations beyond the usual suspects. While Dubai remains a perennial favourite, places like Ras Al Khaimah, Salalah in Oman, and the rapidly transforming landscape of Saudi Arabia are vying for the attention of Indian tourists. Tourism authorities are actively promoting these areas, which offer everything from mountain adventures and serene beaches to rich cultural heritage.
A Perfect Storm for Tourism
Several factors are converging to fuel this travel boom. West Asian countries are actively diversifying their economies away from oil, with tourism being a major pillar of their new vision. They are specifically targeting the resilient and growing Indian outbound travel market. Ras Al Khaimah, for example, saw a 27.5% increase in Indian visitors in May 2026 compared to the previous year and considers India central to its goal of welcoming 3.5 million visitors by 2030. Similarly, Oman recorded a 36% year-on-year increase in Indian arrivals for the first five months of 2026. This strategic push is complemented by increasingly friendly visa policies, including e-visas and visas-on-arrival for Indians, which simplify the travel planning process significantly.
Value and Variety on Offer
The increased competition among airlines is good news for travellers' wallets. More flights can lead to more competitive airfares, making short breaks to the Gulf more affordable. But the value proposition extends beyond the flight. Destinations are rolling out attractive offers to woo Indian tourists, including hotel deals, complimentary upgrades, and 'kids go free' packages, especially during the summer months. The region offers a diverse range of experiences packed into a short flight time. From the futuristic architecture of Doha and the theme parks of Abu Dhabi to the rich history of Saudi Arabia's AlUla and the natural beauty of Oman's wadis, there is something for every type of traveller, be it families, adventure seekers, or luxury holidaymakers.
