Indian Airlines Disrupt Gulf Dominance With New Direct Flights to UK and UAE

Indian carriers IndiGo and Akasa Air are reshaping long-haul international travel with the launch of new direct routes to the UK and the UAE, significantly reducing India’s dependence on traditional Gulf transit hubs. These strategic developments promise faster journeys, competitive fares, and improved convenience for millions of travelers flying between India, Europe, and the Middle East.

Indian Airlines Bypass Gulf Hubs

For decades, Gulf carriers dominated travel between India and Europe, with major hubs in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha handling tens of millions of Indian transit passengers. However, with new non-stop connections offered by Indian airlines, passengers can now bypass long layovers and avoid transit visa requirements altogether.

This shift is dramatically improving travel times, reducing total journey hours, and offering passengers more direct and comfortable flight options.

New Mumbai–London Daily Non-Stop Service

A major Indian carrier has introduced a daily non-stop service between Mumbai and London Heathrow, operated using the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. The aircraft offers both Economy and Business Class seating, including the exclusive premium IndiGoStretch product.

Flight Schedule Overview

This new direct service connects two major global financial hubs, significantly reducing travel time and offering business and leisure travelers a seamless connection without Gulf layovers.

Impact on Gulf Carriers

In 2023, Dubai Airport processed nearly 12 million passengers from India, with a large share transiting onward to Europe. But by the end of 2025, Indian transit traffic in Dubai is projected to drop to around 2.5 million, representing a 50% reduction.

This decline reflects shifting passenger preferences—favoring direct, non-stop routes that eliminate additional segments, long airport waits, and complex travel procedures.

India–Europe Expansion: Over 10 New Routes

Throughout 2025, Indian airlines launched more than 10 new direct routes to destinations such as Manchester, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, and Athens.

These routes originate from major hubs like Mumbai and Delhi and are part of a broader strategy driven by an expanding fleet of 420+ aircraft and more than 2,300 daily flights. The carrier continues to strengthen its international network with a new aircraft joining the fleet nearly every week.

The Road Ahead: Airbus A350 Expansion

By 2027, one major Indian airline is expected to add 60 Airbus A350 wide-body aircraft, enabling direct flights to:

• Europe

• North America

• Far East Asia

• Australia

This expansion will enhance the airline’s long-haul capabilities and allow it to compete even more aggressively with global legacy carriers.

Akasa Air’s Growing International Ambitions

Akasa Air, which began operations in 2022, is also expanding internationally. With a fleet of 30 aircraft and growing, the airline is preparing new routes from Delhi and additional international operations.

Despite being a relatively young airline, Akasa is rapidly gaining recognition for its customer-friendly approach and competitive pricing.

Benefits for Passengers

The rise of direct India–Europe and India–UAE flights offers passengers:

• 4–6 hours of total travel time saved

• No transit visa requirements

• Lower risk of delays or missed connections

• Better fares due to fewer operational segments

• More comfort with long-haul wide-body aircraft

These advantages make direct travel far more appealing for both business and leisure travelers.

Market Shift on the Horizon

Industry analysts predict that by 2027, Indian carriers could capture 10–15% of long-haul traffic between India and Europe—a major shift in market dynamics.

As IndiGo, Akasa Air, and other Indian airlines continue expanding fleets and global connectivity, the reliance on Gulf hubs will continue decreasing.

Conclusion

IndiGo and Akasa Air are redefining long-haul travel for Indian passengers by offering quicker, more affordable, and more direct international routes. With expanding fleets, new aircraft orders, and growing global networks, Indian airlines are poised to become significant players in the global aviation landscape.

As direct international connections continue to grow, travelers can expect faster journeys, better pricing, and a more seamless flying experience—without the need to transit through Gulf hubs.