IndiGo Launches Direct Flights from Abu Dhabi to Visakhapatnam, Bhubaneswar
| 2025-05-19
India's largest low-cost airline IndiGo's strategic focus on connectivity and growth. (Image: @UltimatumArmada)
IndiGo to begin direct flights from Abu Dhabi to Visakhapatnam and Bhubaneswar in June 2025, enhancing India-UAE travel and economic connectivity.
India’s largest low-cost airline, IndiGo, will begin direct flights between Abu Dhabi and the Indian cities of Visakhapatnam and Bhubaneswar from June 2025, the company announced. The move is expected to improve air connectivity, stimulate economic ties, and cater to the significant Indian diaspora in the United Arab Emirates.
New Routes to Start Mid-June
According to IndiGo, direct flights between Abu Dhabi and Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, will operate three times a week—on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays—beginning 12 June. A day later, on 13 June, the carrier will introduce four weekly flights connecting Abu Dhabi and Visakhapatnam, a major port city on India’s east coast. These flights will run on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
The addition of these routes is part of IndiGo’s broader international expansion strategy. The airline currently operates more than 100 weekly flights from 15 Indian cities to Abu Dhabi. With the inclusion of these new services, IndiGo's total number of weekly flights to the United Arab Emirates will reach 275, covering 18 Indian cities.
Strategic Focus on Connectivity and Growth
The airline stated that the launch of these new routes aims to promote tourism, facilitate international trade, and provide convenient travel options for the Indian expatriate population in the UAE.
A spokesperson for IndiGo said: “These new routes are part of our ongoing efforts to expand our international presence and offer affordable, direct connectivity to underserved markets. We believe this will support both business and leisure travellers while fostering closer ties between India and the UAE.”
Visakhapatnam, often referred to as Vizag, is a growing industrial hub and a key port city on the Bay of Bengal, known for its beaches and shipbuilding activities. Bhubaneswar, in contrast, is recognised for its rich cultural heritage, ancient temples, and emerging infrastructure as a regional IT and education centre.
Boost for Regional Development and Tourism
The direct connections to Abu Dhabi are expected to enhance regional development by providing easier access to international markets and investment opportunities. The flights also support the Indian government’s policy goals of strengthening regional connectivity and modernising air travel infrastructure.
Officials believe the new routes will attract both inbound and outbound tourism, especially from the UAE, which is home to one of the largest Indian communities abroad. Direct flights reduce travel time and eliminate the need for stopovers, making them particularly appealing for families and business travellers.
Growing Air Links Between India and the UAE
India and the United Arab Emirates share a longstanding relationship encompassing trade, investment, and people-to-people ties. The UAE is among India’s top trading partners, and the Indian diaspora in the Gulf state is estimated to be over 3.5 million strong.
In recent years, Indian carriers including IndiGo, Air India Express, and Vistara have expanded operations to the Gulf region in response to growing passenger demand. The latest route additions by IndiGo underscore the strategic importance of the UAE in India’s aviation and foreign policy framework.
By enhancing direct connectivity between mid-sized Indian cities and international hubs like Abu Dhabi, the airline also aligns with the Indian government’s push to decentralise air travel beyond major metros.
With travel demand rebounding strongly after the COVID-19 pandemic, both India and the UAE have signalled interest in deepening transport and economic cooperation. IndiGo’s new services are likely to play a key role in supporting that agenda.
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