Air India Express is set to make aviation history by becoming the first airline to directly connect Northeast India with West Asia, launching non-stop services from Guwahati to Dubai on 4 August and Abu Dhabi on 7 August. The move positions Guwahati as a growing international gateway and marks the airline’s first overseas operations from the city.
The new routes are expected to strengthen tourism, trade, education and VFR traffic between the Northeast and the UAE, while reducing dependence on metro hubs such as Delhi and Kolkata. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma hailed the development as a major boost to the region’s global connectivity, adding that the state is now pursuing direct air links to Vietnam. With these additions, Guwahati Airport will offer direct international connectivity to four countries—UAE, Thailand, Singapore and Bhutan—further cementing its role as Northeast India’s aviation hub.
Shreya Bansal is a reporter at TravTalk India, covering the travel and tourism industry. She brings a keen eye for emerging trends, trade developments, and the stories shaping the travel landscape. Through in-depth reporting and on-ground insights, she connects industry stakeholders with news that matters. Beyond travel, Shreya has a growing interest in the premium lifestyle space, particularly the world of fine jewellery and is eager to explore the craftsmanship, culture, and commerce that define luxury living.