Abu Dhabi to expand direct flights to 22 Indian cities

By  News On Air   Jul 19, 2026

Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport will increase direct flights to 22 Indian cities in August from the current 17, reflecting strong demand from one of its fastest-growing tourism markets. Abu Dhabi Airports Chief Commercial Officer Carsten Norland said at an event marking Air India Express’ launch of new services.

The Tata Group-owned airline this week started flights to Abu Dhabi from Navi Mumbai, Indore and Lucknow, and will add Guwahati next month.

Mr. Norland said, passenger traffic from India is growing by more than 20 percent annually, with Indian travelers accounting for nearly 7 million passengers, or 24 percent of the airport’s traffic. He said demand for additional capacity is high, but expansion is constrained by traffic rights.