Assam secures direct Dubai and Abu Dhabi flights from Guwahati

Assam is set to gain direct air links to two major Gulf destinations after Air India announced plans to launch non-stop flights from Guwahati to Dubai and Abu Dhabi from August 4, 2026.

The development was announced by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in a post on X, where he described the new services as an important step in strengthening Guwahati's position as a travel and transit gateway for Southeast Asia.

The launch marks one of the most significant expansions of international connectivity from the Northeast in recent years, offering travellers direct access to two of the busiest aviation hubs in the Middle East.

New routes expand Guwahati's international reach

According to Chief Minister Sarma, the addition of Dubai and Abu Dhabi will expand Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport's direct connectivity to four international markets.

The airport currently serves overseas destinations including Thailand, Singapore and Bhutan. With the launch of the UAE routes, Guwahati's international footprint will extend further into the Gulf region.

Key details of the announcement include:

• Air India will commence direct Guwahati-Dubai services on August 4, 2026

• Direct Guwahati-Abu Dhabi flights will also begin on August 4

• The routes will connect Assam directly with two major global aviation and business centres

• The expansion increases Guwahati's direct international connectivity across the UAE, Thailand, Singapore and Bhutan

The move is expected to improve travel options for business travellers, tourists and members of the Indian diaspora travelling between the Northeast and the Gulf.

Aviation strategy gains momentum

The announcement comes shortly after several European Union member states lifted travel advisories relating to Assam, a development that state authorities have highlighted as a positive signal for tourism and international engagement.

Chief Minister Sarma said the new Gulf connections support the state's broader objective of transforming Guwahati into a major transit point linking India with Southeast Asia and other international markets.

According to the Chief Minister, the state government views improved air connectivity as an important enabler of tourism, trade and investment opportunities.

Enhanced connectivity is also expected to strengthen links between Assam and overseas markets with growing economic and commercial ties to India.

Vietnam emerges as the next target

Beyond the UAE expansion, Chief Minister Sarma indicated that Assam is exploring further international connectivity opportunities.

In his statement, he said his next objective is to establish direct flight services between Guwahati and Vietnam, signalling the state's intention to deepen connections with emerging travel corridors in Southeast Asia.

While no timeline has been announced for a Vietnam route, the proposal reflects a wider strategy to expand Guwahati's role in regional aviation networks.

The prospect of direct connectivity to Vietnam would add another Southeast Asian destination to Assam's growing international aviation map and support efforts to attract tourists and business travellers.

Connectivity seen as catalyst for growth

For Assam, the significance of the new routes extends beyond aviation.

Direct international air services are often viewed as critical infrastructure that can support tourism, facilitate business travel and improve access to global markets.

With Dubai and Abu Dhabi joining Guwahati's international network, the state government is positioning the city as a stronger gateway between Northeast India, the Gulf and Southeast Asia. The success of the new routes may also influence future decisions on expanding direct international services from the region.