flydubai - Air India deal: What it means for UAE, Indian travellers

Indian travelers in the UAE can expect more options to connect to destinations across India and beyond through a new Air India-flydubai interline partnership. The agreement links the airlines' networks through Dubai, Delhi, and Mumbai, offering 52 additional flydubai destinations and 69 Air India destinations for their passengers on a two-way network.

This development benefits UAE-based Indian travellers who can now connect to cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, and Varanasi, as well as international destinations including Bali, Hong Kong, and Tokyo. For Air India passengers, the partnership provides additional connectivity from Dubai across the Middle East, Europe, and Africa. While the airlines haven't announced new direct flights, the interline agreement allows passengers to combine their existing networks for more flexible itineraries.

The partnership is particularly beneficial for the large Gulf VFR market, as it enables Indian residents in the UAE to visit family and friends in India without needing to arrange separate tickets. The agreement also comes as Air India expects a stronger winter travel period, with 272 weekly flights between India and the UAE during the winter schedule from October 26 to March.