Air India, AI Express team up with dnata to boost UAE market presence

Air India, AI Express Appoint dnata to Boost UAE Operations and Market Reach

Air India and Air India Express have designated Dubai-based travel services operator dnata as their General Sales Agent (GSA) and Representative Agency (RA), respectively, in a calculated attempt to increase their commercial footprint in the United Arab Emirates. The deal was formally signed during the 2025 Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai.

With the exception of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain for Air India, the new arrangement will see Dnata handle sales, marketing, and distribution services for both airlines throughout the United Arab Emirates. In addition to strengthening the Tata-owned airline group’s regional expansion plan, this partnership seeks to improve access for passengers and trading partners.
The alliance comes at a significant time—India remains the largest source market for Dubai International Airport (DXB), contributing over 3 million passengers in Q1 2025. Business, tourism, and family travel are the main drivers of the popularity of routes linking Indian metropolises like Mumbai and New Delhi with Dubai, indicating the high demand for travel between the two nations.

Current Operations

Of the 82 flights that Air India offers each week between India and the United Arab Emirates, 32 are to and from Dubai. In contrast, Air India Express travels between India and five UAE cities: Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, and Al Ain, with more than 240 flights every week. The major overseas market for Air India Express is Dubai, which serves as a key operational hub for the airline.

Leaders Comment on the Tie-Up

Air India’s Head of International Sales for GMEA & North America, Kaizad Postwalla, expressed confidence in the collaboration, pointing to dnata’s customer-focused approach and regional knowledge as crucial to improving the airline’s service delivery and demand development.
Simon Woodford, Vice President of Global Air Services at dnata, added that dnata is excited to renew its association with Air India, having previously represented the airline in Dubai from 1967 to 2014. He emphasized that Air India Group is expanding its accessibility and affordability for UAE–India travel.

Expanding Global Footprint

At the moment, Air India Express serves 38 domestic and 17 international cities, while Air India serves 45 domestic and 43 foreign destinations. The group’s larger initiative to expand regional connections and worldwide connectivity for better service and reach includes the partnership with DNATA.

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