UAE-India travel: Dubai to Hyderabad travel gets easier with new non-stop flights
Low-cost carrier shifts more Gulf operations under network revamp
DUBAI – Passengers travelling between Dubai and Hyderabad will soon have another direct flight option, as Air India Express has announced a new non-stop service between the two cities starting March 29.
The route adds fresh capacity on a high-demand corridor used by tourists, residents and expatriate workers. The launch is part of a broader network realignment across Middle East operations.
The airline confirmed that the new service will operate as a non-stop connection, cutting travel time and offering a point-to-point alternative for flyers between the UAE and southern India. The addition strengthens direct links on one of the busiest India-Gulf sectors.
Network shift
The new route comes under a restructuring programme at parent carrier Air India, under which several Middle East routes are being transferred to Air India Express. The strategy focuses on placing more regional and short-haul international services under the low-cost arm to improve efficiency and pricing flexibility.
From Hyderabad, the carrier already operates Gulf services to multiple destinations including Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Manama, Dammam, Jeddah, Doha, Kuwait City and Muscat. The Dubai addition further expands its footprint across the Gulf corridor.
Onboard options
Travellers on the new service will be able to pre-book hot inflight meals through the airline’s Gourmair menu. Meal prices start from INR500, approximately Dh20. The pre-booking option is designed to give passengers more choice and quicker onboard service.
The airline said the Gourmair offering will be available to eligible passengers across the new non-stop sector, aligning with its buy-on-board and pre-order service model used across several international routes.
Recent offers
Earlier this month, the carrier also rolled out its “Xpress More Sale”, offering discounts of up to 20 per cent on domestic and international fares. According to the airline, nearly five million seats were placed under the promotional scheme.
Early access bookings opened on February 1 through the airline’s website and mobile app. The wider sale window ran from February 2 to 5, 2026, across other booking platforms, covering travel dates between February 11 and December 31, 2026.
Separately, another UAE-India connection was recently introduced on the Sharjah to Ahmedabad sector with five weekly flights, further increasing route choices for passengers travelling between the two countries. Indian applicants processing travel documents in the UAE are also now being issued only e-passports under updated passport services.