Air India Express to Become the First Airline to Connect Northeast India Directly to West Asia

Guwahati - Dubai and Guwahati - Abu Dhabi services to begin from 4th and 7th August 2026 respectively. 

June-2026, National:  Air India Express today announced the launch of direct flights between Guwahati and Dubai, and Guwahati and Abu Dhabi, becoming the first airline to directly connect Northeast India with West Asia. The services will commence on 4 August and 7 August respectively, marking a significant milestone in expanding international travel options and strengthening global connectivity for the region.

Guwahati, widely regarded as the gateway to Northeast India, is one of the largest stations in the Air India Express network, with around 120 weekly flights. The launch of direct services to Dubai and Abu Dhabi marks the airline’s first international operations from the city, providing convenient access to two of the UAE’s leading economic and travel hubs. The new routes are expected to support tourism, trade, and cultural exchange, while bringing Northeast India closer to key global markets and opportunities.

Bookings for the new flights are now open on airindiaexpress.com, the Air India Express mobile app, and other major booking channels.

Schedule effective from August 04, 2026 (all timings are local)

Departure

Arrival

Departure Time

Arrival Time

Frequency

Guwahati

Dubai

12:25

16:10

Tue

Dubai

Guwahati

17:10

00:25

Tue

Schedule effective from August 07, 2026 (all timings are local)

Guwahati

Abu Dhabi

11:30

15:15

Fri

Abu Dhabi

Guwahati

16:15

23:30

Fri

With the addition of Abu Dhabi and Dubai, Air India Express continues to strengthen its presence across Northeast India, where it now operates over 290 weekly flights from four stations in the region: Dibrugarh, Dimapur, Guwahati, and Imphal. Beyond enhancing connectivity and supporting the region’s economic and tourism potential, the airline also celebrates the Northeast’s rich cultural heritage through its ‘Tales of India’ initiative. Among the distinctive art forms featured on its aircraft tail designs are Assam’s iconic Gamosa and Jaapi motifs, alongside Tsüngkotepsü from Nagaland, Akyobi, Moirang Phee and Saphee Lanphee from Manipur, Idu Mishmi from Arunachal Pradesh, Khneng from Meghalaya, and Puanchei from Mizoram. Through these flying symbols of regional identity, Air India Express showcases the stories, traditions, and craftsmanship of the Northeast to audiences across India and beyond.

The Leela Palaces, Hotels And Resorts Announces Its Foray Into Northeast India With The Signing Of A 140 Room Hotel In Sikkim

Hyderabad, December 2023: The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, one of India’s leading luxury hotel brands, today announced the signing of a management agreement for a 140-room hotel in Ranka in Sikkim, marking the foray of the brand into Northeast India. Owned by the SIBIN Group, the project Leela Sikkim is located approximately 10 kilometres from the capital city, on a 17-acre plot overlooking the Gangtok Hill. Slated to open in December 2026, The Leela Sikkim is set amidst the serene backdrop of the Himalayas and is poised to redefine the hospitality landscape of the region with its inspirational design, thoughtful programming and the brand’s renowned signature services.

Commenting on the announcement, Mr. Anuraag Bhatnagar, Chief Executive Officer, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts said, “We are delighted to introduce The Leela brand into Northeast India with the project Leela Sikkim. Sikkim remains a pristine destination with the right blend of urbanization, rich cultural heritage and unexplored natural beauty. This expansion is in lockstep with the growing demand from the discerning global leisure traveller to experience meaningful and transformative journeys that are an authentic expression of a region’s natural beauty, heritage, cuisine, and culture.”

Speaking on the occasion Mr. Neel Chhetri, Proprietor, Sibin Group said, “I am excited to partner with The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts to bring this uber luxury brand to Sikkim. We are confident that with this partnership and the investments we are making, the project Leela Sikkim will soon emerge as one of the most sought-after leisure and wellness destinations in the country and will help us to showcase the hidden Himalayan treasure to the world.”

The Leela Sikkim will offer guests a tranquil and luxurious experience complete with a range of leisure and wellness facilities and thoughtfully curated services. The resort will feature 35 independent luxury villas including 20 wellness villas, 13 twin villas, and a 6-room double storey villa and 88 luxury rooms in a hotel block. A range of dining options with an all-day dining restaurant, a speciality restaurant, a wellness restaurant and a lounge bar will also be offered. Guests will also be able to enjoy a state-of-the-art wellness centre and a casino along with a host of other indoor and outdoor activities.

Announcing its foray into the Northeast, The Leela takes pride to introduce Sikkim – a mystical Himalayan destination to leisure travellers and is embracing the hill state with authenticity to provide unforgettable experiences for guests to savour the true culture, art, wellness, flavours and the natural beauty of this unexplored region. This expansion is a testament to the company’s strategy to grow in key leisure and resort destinations across the country.