A Milestone for Northeast Connectivity
Air India Express has announced the launch of its first-ever international services from Guwahati, connecting the city directly with two major hubs in the United Arab Emirates: Dubai and Abu Dhabi. This marks a significant development for travellers in Assam
and the surrounding states, who have historically relied on connecting flights through major Indian metro cities to reach the Middle East. The new services are poised to provide a substantial boost to tourism, trade, and cultural exchange, while offering immense convenience for the large Northeast diaspora working and living in the Gulf. All international flights will operate from the new, state-of-the-art Terminal 2 at Guwahati's Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (LGBI).
Your Weekly Gateway to the Gulf
The new routes will begin operations in early August 2026, just in time for late summer and autumn travel planning. The direct service to Dubai is scheduled to commence on August 4, 2026, with flights operating every Tuesday. Shortly after, the Guwahati-Abu Dhabi route will launch on August 7, 2026, with flights available every Friday. According to the airline's schedule, the Guwahati-Dubai flight will depart at 12:25 pm and arrive in Dubai at 4:10 pm local time. The return flight leaves Dubai at 5:10 pm, reaching Guwahati at 12:25 am the next day. For the Abu Dhabi service, the flight departs Guwahati at 11:30 am, landing at 3:15 pm local time. The return journey starts from Abu Dhabi at 4:15 pm and arrives back in Guwahati at 11:30 pm. This weekly frequency provides convenient options for both leisure and business travellers.
Understanding Your Baggage Allowance
With new flight plans come questions about baggage. While these new routes offer unprecedented convenience, the baggage allowance follows the airline's standard international policy rather than a special rule tied to frequency. For most international flights to the Middle East, Air India Express allows for 7 kg of cabin baggage. For checked-in luggage, the standard allowance for economy class passengers on these routes is typically generous, often up to 30 kg. However, it is crucial for passengers to verify the specific allowance tied to their fare type at the time of booking. Airlines often offer different fare families, such as 'Xpress Lite' for travellers with only cabin baggage, and other fares that include a checked baggage allowance. Passengers travelling with infants are usually entitled to an additional baggage allowance. To avoid any last-minute surprises, always check your ticket's baggage details on the Air India Express website.
Planning Your Trip: Key Information
To ensure a smooth journey, travellers should keep a few key points in mind. Bookings for these new routes are already open across all major platforms, including the airline's official website and mobile app. The Assam government has noted that introductory fares for the Guwahati-Dubai route start from around ₹21,188, and for the Guwahati-Abu Dhabi route from approximately ₹19,759, though these are subject to change and availability. Remember that all international operations at LGBI Airport have been consolidated at the modern Terminal 2, so ensure you arrive at the correct terminal. As with any international travel, it's advisable to arrive at the airport well in advance of your departure time and stay updated with any travel advisories issued by the airline.
