UAE: Airline increases India flights by 24 weekly ahead of summer vacation!

Expanding Horizons: UAE’s Summer Travel Surge and Visa Policy Update

In the vibrant landscape of Dubai, where excitement builds for the upcoming summer holidays in the UAE, the aviation sector is bustling with preparations to meet the surge in travel demand. Airlines are gearing up for an ambitious expansion drive, aiming to bolster their operations and enhance flight connectivity to cater to the anticipated influx of passengers, particularly those traveling to and from India.

As the summer vacation approaches, travel between India and the UAE witnesses a significant increase, reflecting the strong desire among individuals to reunite with loved ones or explore new destinations. In response to this heightened demand, Tata-owned Air India Express has announced plans to significantly increase its flight frequencies, adding 24 weekly flights from the UAE to India. This strategic move aims to address the growing needs of travelers seeking seamless connectivity between the two countries.

During the summer break in the UAE, from June to August, schools across the emirates close their doors, providing families with an ideal opportunity to embark on vacations and create lasting memories. This annual trend underscores the importance of robust air travel infrastructure in facilitating smooth movement and ensuring hassle-free journeys for travelers.

The enhanced flight frequencies, especially from key hubs such as Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, and Dubai, are expected to provide a significant boost to Indian expatriates and tourists. Air India Express’s decision to augment its weekly flights on the Dubai route to 84, alongside additional flights from Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah, underscores its commitment to meeting the evolving needs of travelers during this peak season.

In addition to strengthening its UAE-India routes, Air India Express plans to increase flight frequencies from various cities across India, including Ayodhya, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kannur, Kolkata, Kochi, Mangalore, Thiruvananthapuram, and Varanasi. This comprehensive approach reflects the airline’s proactive stance in ensuring robust connectivity and seamless travel experiences for passengers across diverse geographies.

Looking ahead, the summer of 2024 promises to be a period of unprecedented growth and expansion for Air India Express, with plans to operate more than 360 daily departures, marking a significant milestone in its journey towards becoming a leading player in the aviation industry.

Concurrently, the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) has introduced a groundbreaking update to its visa exemption policy, signaling a transformative shift in the country’s approach to tourism facilitation. This forward-looking initiative aims to enhance ease of travel and boost tourism inflows by allowing travelers from 87 countries to enjoy seamless access to the Emirates without the need for a prior visa.

Despite these advancements, citizens from 110 countries, including India, are still required to obtain a visa before traveling to the UAE. However, citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states are exempt from this requirement, as they can enter the UAE effortlessly by presenting a GCC state passport or identity card upon arrival.

In essence, these developments underscore the UAE’s unwavering commitment to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for travelers while solidifying its position as a global tourism hub. Through proactive measures and strategic initiatives, the country is poised to harness the full potential of the travel and tourism sector, driving sustainable growth and prosperity for years to come.