Air India Dubai Flights 2026: What You Need to Know Now

Last updated: Jun 4, 2026

Air India is back on a scheduled Dubai service, but at reduced capacity until October.

Fresh regional tensions on June 3 disrupted Dubai airport. Here is the current status and what to do.

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Air India Flights to Dubai: What’s Operating Right Now

Air India has resumed scheduled daily service to Dubai, operating its A350 aircraft on the Delhi–Dubai route. Flights are running on a reduced summer schedule — a second daily Delhi–Dubai service is not expected until October 16, 2026.

Air India Express runs over 40 daily Gulf flights, connecting Dubai with Amritsar, Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kochi, Kozhikode, Kannur, Lucknow, Mangaluru, Mumbai, Tiruchirappalli, Thiruvananthapuram, and Varanasi. Amritsar–Dubai operations resumed on 16 May 2026.

India’s DGCA continues to bar Indian carriers from overflying Iran, Iraq, and other conflict-zone airspaces in West Asia. Flights between India and Dubai route south over the Arabian Sea, adding roughly 3 to 4 hours to westbound journeys.

On June 3, Iran targeted Kuwait and Bahrain with missiles, placing Dubai airport on heightened alert. DXB operations continued, but short-notice cancellations remain a real risk.

When Will Air India Resume Normal Dubai Flights?

Air India resumed scheduled service to Dubai from May 1, 2026, but at reduced frequency. The one-daily-round-trip cap that Dubai imposed on foreign carriers expired at end of May — airlines can now operate normal schedules at DXB, subject to available slots.

A full return to pre-crisis capacity is not expected before October 2026. The pace of recovery depends on the DGCA lifting West Asian airspace restrictions, jet fuel prices easing, and regional security stabilizing.

What to Watch For

DGCA airspace advisories — restrictions on Iran, Iraq, and other West Asian airspaces remain in effect and are reviewed regularly
Air India daily updates — schedules are posted to its Middle East travel updates page
Regional security — the June 3 escalation targeting Kuwait and Bahrain shows that short-notice airport disruptions remain possible across the Gulf
Air India route rationalization — the airline’s June–August schedule reductions are in effect; affected passengers are being offered free date changes or full refunds

Rebooking and Refunds for Air India Dubai Flights

Air India has waived change fees and is offering full refunds for passengers on disrupted Dubai routes. Here is what the airline is offering if your flight has been cancelled or suspended:

Free rebooking: Rebook to any future date at no additional charge — no fare difference, no change fee
Full refund: Cancel for a complete refund to your original payment method, with no cancellation fee
One complimentary schedule change per ticket, with no fare adjustments

Air India Express passengers can rebook without additional charges on any commercial flight operating from UAE stations to any destination in India.

How to Rebook or Request a Refund

Online: Visit airindia.com and use the Manage Booking page, or use the self re-accommodation tool for alternative flights
Phone: Call +91 116 932 9333 or +91 116 932 9999 (available 24/7)
Air India Express: Contact the AI-powered digital assistant Tia on WhatsApp at +91 63600 12345

Air India’s standard refund processing time is 2 to 3 business days on the airline’s end, though bank and credit card processing can add up to two additional weeks.

One important caveat: Air India can only process refunds for tickets purchased directly through its own channels. If you booked through a third-party travel agent or OTA, contact them directly.

Should You Book Air India to Dubai Right Now?

Multiple governments continue to advise against travel to the UAE. A June 3 Iranian strike targeting Kuwait and Bahrain placed Dubai airport on heightened alert — the conflict remains active. Before booking, check the latest advisory from your country.

Government Travel Advisories for Dubai

India: The Ministry of External Affairs continues to advise Indian nationals to exercise heightened caution, restrict non-essential movement, and keep travel documents ready for emergency relocation.
United States: The US State Department maintains a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory for the UAE, citing the threat of armed conflict and terrorism. Non-emergency US government personnel are still on ordered-departure status. Americans should enroll in the STEP program and monitor the US Embassy UAE website for security alerts.
United Kingdom: The UK FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the UAE. Travel insurance may be invalid if you travel against this advice.
Australia: Smartraveller maintains a Do Not Travel warning for the UAE, its highest advisory level. This applies to transit and layovers as well.

Practical Considerations If You Decide to Fly

Check Air India’s schedule the evening before. Even on regular scheduled service, cancellations can happen at short notice. Check the Middle East travel updates page the night before your flight.
Flight reliability is unpredictable. Services can be cancelled at short notice if security conditions change or DXB suspends operations again.
Check your travel insurance carefully. Many policies exclude destinations with active government advisories against travel.
Book directly with Air India to ensure you are covered by the airline’s crisis rebooking and refund waivers.
Register with your country’s embassy if you do travel, and keep India’s Dubai consulate 24/7 helpline saved: +971 565463903 (or toll-free within UAE: 800 46342).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Air India flying to Dubai right now?

Yes — Air India is operating scheduled daily flights to Dubai. Air India flies the Delhi–Dubai route daily (A350 aircraft), and Air India Express serves Dubai from cities including Amritsar, Mangaluru, Kochi, and Mumbai. Frequency remains reduced versus pre-crisis levels. Check Air India’s travel updates page for the latest schedule.

Can I get a refund on my Air India Dubai flight?

Yes. Air India is offering full refunds with no cancellation fees for all passengers booked on suspended or cancelled Dubai routes. You can request a refund at airindia.com or by calling +91 116 932 9333. Airline-side processing typically takes 2 to 3 business days, with bank processing adding up to two additional weeks.

Can I rebook my Air India Dubai flight for free?

Yes. Air India is allowing one free date change per ticket with no fare difference or change fee. Rebook through the Manage Booking page on Air India’s website or call their 24/7 helpline.

Is the Dubai airport foreign airline flight cap still in place?

No. The one-daily-round-trip cap that Dubai imposed on foreign carriers at DXB and DWC expired at end of May 2026. Airlines including Air India can now operate multiple daily flights, subject to available slots. However, a June 3 escalation (Iran targeting Kuwait and Bahrain) caused heightened alert at DXB and some short-notice cancellations.

Why are Air India Dubai flights disrupted?

The US-Iran military conflict that began on 28 February 2026 caused widespread airspace closures across the Middle East. UAE airspace reopened on 2 May 2026, but India’s DGCA continues to bar Indian carriers from overflying Iran, Iraq, and other conflict-zone airspaces. Flights still route south over the Arabian Sea, adding several hours to each journey. High jet fuel costs from the longer routes have also prompted Air India to reduce its June–August international schedule.

Are other Indian airlines flying to Dubai?

IndiGo has restored scheduled Dubai flights, with more than 60 weekly services from Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, plus additional routes from several other Indian cities. All Indian carriers continue to face the same DGCA airspace restrictions and route via the southern Arabian Sea corridor.

Is my UAE visa still valid if my flight was cancelled?

The UAE’s overstay fine waiver expired on 31 March 2026. As of 1 April, overstay penalties of AED 50 per day have reactivated. If you are still in the UAE without valid status, contact ICP or apply for a visa extension through GDRFA immediately to regularise your status.

Sources

Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.