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Two new airlines enter busy India–UAE routes / AI Generated Image
Travel between the UAE and India is set to become easier and more competitive, as new airlines and expanded routes enter one of the world’s busiest aviation corridors. With millions of Indian expatriates living in the UAE, and strong demand from tourists, students, and business travellers, airlines are racing to add capacity and attract passengers with better schedules and pricing.Recent aviation approvals and route expansions signal a clear shift: more flight options, more departure cities, and increasing fare competition between low-cost and full-service carriers.
New Airlines: Al Hind Air and. FlyExpress
As the UAE-India travel corridor hits record demand, two new airlines, Al Hind Air and FlyExpress, have officially received their government approvals (NOCs) to begin operations in 2026. While both aim to lower fares and increase competition, they are targeting very different types of travelers.
- Al Hind Air (The "Gulf-First" Bridge): Backed by the massive Alhind Group (a Kerala-based travel giant with 130+ global branches), this airline is the one to watch for the UAE expat community. Operating from a Kochi hub, they will start with domestic flights in South India before launching direct international routes to Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi in late 2026 using Airbus A320neo jets.
Because they already handle visas and labor recruitment, expect "all-in-one" bundles where your flight, insurance, and airport transfers are packaged together for a much lower total cost.
- FlyExpress (The Regional Specialist): While Al Hind focuses on the South, FlyExpress is emerging as a "stealth" player from Hyderabad targeting Central and Western India. This is the best choice for travelers whose hometowns lack a major international hub. By focusing on regional "on-time" performance and direct links to smaller cities, they aim to cut hours off your total door-to-door travel time.
They plan to use a "Combi" model, carrying both passengers and heavy cargo, to subsidize ticket prices. Their goal is to connect Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities that currently require long bus or train rides from major airports.
"Our goal is to make air travel as accessible as a road trip for the Indian diaspora in the UAE," stated a spokesperson for the Alhind Group during the NOC announcement. "By increasing competition, we are ensuring that the traveler always gets the best price."
Role of Navi Mumbai Airport
If you have ever dreaded the traffic at Mumbai’s main airport, 2026 offers a fresh alternative. The Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is now fully operational.
Airlines like Akasa Air and Air India Express have shifted many of their UAE operations here to avoid the congestion of the old terminal.For travelers, this is a strategic win. NMIA is much closer for those heading toward Pune or the expanding business districts of New Mumbai. Because it is a new facility, many airlines are currently offering "launch fares" to encourage passengers to switch their landing spot from the main Mumbai (BOM) terminal to NMIA.
Routes
The expansion isn't just about more planes; it’s about better routes. Air India Express has reached a massive milestone of 100 aircraft, allowing them to launch non-stop flights from Abu Dhabi to Pune and Delhi multiple times a week.Similarly, Akasa Air is rapidly expanding its footprint in the UAE, with new services from Sharjah targeting the Northern Emirates. These direct routes mean less time spent in layovers and more time with family.
Most of these new flights are scheduled during the "golden hours", early morning or late night, to ensure you reach your destination by the start of the business day.
Prices, and discounts
To make the most of these changes, you need to know when to book and what to pay. Here is the current market breakdown for early 2026:Shankh Air and Al Hind Air are targeting a full domestic rollout in Q1 2026, with international UAE-India routes expected to pick up pace by the second half of the year.
Thanks to the "seat explosion," one-way fares from Dubai to Delhi or Mumbai have stabilized. You can currently find tickets starting as low as AED 350 to AED 450 on budget carriers if booked 3–4 weeks in advance.How to get discounts:
- Bank Partnerships: Many UAE banks (like Mashreq, ADCB, and Emirates NBD) are offering 10% to 15% instant discounts when booking through portals like Cleartrip or directly on airline apps.
- App-Exclusive Codes: Use codes like "FLYAI" or "HIT" on the Air India Express and Akasa apps for up to 25% off base fares.
- Navi Mumbai Launch Offers: Check for specific promotional fares when selecting the Navi Mumbai airport code; these are often AED 100–200 cheaper than flights to the main Mumbai terminal.
For both Indian and UAE audiences, the message is clear: more airline options are coming, but smart planning still matters. The expansion of routes and entry of new airlines should improve connectivity and choice, but demand on the UAE–India corridor remains strong year-round.Travellers who stay alert to new route launches, book early, and remain flexible with airports and travel dates are best positioned to benefit from competitive fares as the market continues to open up.
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