Dubai’s decision to limit foreign airlines to just one flight a day is set to disrupt travel plans and hit Indian airlines hard. The temporary restriction, in place until May 31, comes at a time when passenger demand is usually high.
The move follows rising tensions in the Middle East, which have already affected flight routes and schedules across the region. Under the new rule, airlines that earlier operated multiple daily flights to Dubai will now have to scale back sharply.
Indian carriers are expected to be among the worst affected. Routes between India and Dubai are some of the busiest, with airlines like Air India, IndiGo and SpiceJet running several flights daily. Cutting these down to one flight per airline means fewer seats and potential revenue losses.
Airline officials say the timing is especially difficult, as the summer travel season typically sees a surge in passengers, including families, workers and tourists heading to the Gulf. With fewer flights available, ticket prices could rise, making travel more expensive.
The Federation of Indian Airlines has raised concerns over the decision and urged the government to step in. It has also suggested that India consider similar restrictions on UAE carriers if the issue is not resolved soon.
This adds to the challenges already faced by Indian airlines. Many flights are taking longer routes due to restrictions over Pakistani airspace, leading to higher fuel costs and operational strain.
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