Air India to launch direct Guwahati-Dubai, Abu Dhabi flights from Aug 4: CM Sarma
Guwahati, June 22
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday announced that Air India will commence direct flights from Guwahati to Dubai and Abu Dhabi from August 4, describing the move as a major step towards strengthening Assam's international connectivity and positioning Guwahati as a key travel and transit hub in the region.
In a post on X, Chief Minister Sarma said the launch of the two international routes comes just days after European Union member states lifted their travel advisory for Assam, opening new avenues for the state's engagement with the global community.
"Opening new avenues to connect Assam to the global community. Just days after EU member states lifted their travel advisory for Assam, I am happy to share that from August 4, Air India will commence direct flights from Guwahati to Dubai and Abu Dhabi," the Chief Minister wrote.
According to Sarma, the introduction of the non-stop services will significantly enhance international access to Assam and the Northeast.
With the addition of the two routes, Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati will be directly connected to four countries - the United Arab Emirates, Thailand, Singapore and Bhutan.
The Chief Minister said the state government is continuing its efforts to further expand Guwahati's international air network.
He revealed that his next objective is to facilitate direct flight services between Guwahati and Vietnam, adding that updates on the proposal would be shared in due course.
The announcement marks another milestone in Assam's strategy to improve global connectivity, boost tourism, attract investment and facilitate easier travel for businesspersons, students and the large Assamese and Northeastern diaspora residing abroad.
Over the past few years, the state government has prioritised the expansion of international air links as part of its broader vision of transforming Guwahati into the gateway to Southeast Asia.
Improved connectivity is also expected to support trade, cultural exchanges and economic cooperation with countries in the region.
Sarma described the upcoming flights as a "big fillip" to the government's efforts to establish Guwahati as a major aviation hub connecting Northeast India with Southeast Asia and the wider global economy.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Very strategic move. With EU lifting advisory and now direct Gulf flights, Assam is seriously positioning itself. But let's not forget - infrastructure at Guwahati airport needs major upgrades to handle this traffic.
As someone from Tezpur who travels to Gulf frequently for work, this is a game changer. No more missing connections at Delhi airport. Thank you CM Sarma for pushing this! 🇮🇳
Good initiative but let's see if they actually maintain the schedule. Air India's track record with international flights hasn't been great. Also, hope they add more destinations - Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Yangon would be useful for business.
Finally! My family in Silchar has been waiting for this. So many Assamese students and professionals in UAE. This will definitely boost tourism too - imagine Dubai people visiting Kaziranga without hassle. Well done state government!
Vietnam next? Yes please! Guwahati to Hanoi direct would open up so much trade potential. But they should also focus on domestic connectivity within Northeast - many of us still struggle to reach Guwahati from smaller towns. 🤔
This is fantastic! My brother works in Abu Dhabi and he always complained about the journey. Now he can come home more often.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.