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Fujairah Airport Launches IndiGo Flights to India

Fujairah Airport Launches IndiGo Flights to India
  • PublishedMay 17, 2025

Fujairah International Airport has officially launched its first direct flights to Mumbai and Kannur, operated by India’s largest airline, IndiGo. This strategic move marks a significant milestone in the airport’s ongoing efforts to enhance international connectivity and position itself as a key player in the UAE’s aviation landscape.

With this launch, Fujairah opens new doors for economic cooperation, tourism growth, and people-to-people exchange between the United Arab Emirates and India. The newly introduced air routes reflect a shared commitment to better accessibility and deeper bilateral engagement, benefiting both nations.

Inaugural Ceremony Marks a Landmark Achievement for Fujairah

The arrival of IndiGo’s inaugural flight was celebrated with an official welcoming ceremony at Fujairah International Airport. The event was attended by high-ranking officials and dignitaries from both the UAE and India.

Key attendees included Satish Kumar Sivan, Consul-General of India to Dubai; Mohamed Abdulla Al Salami, Chairman of the Fujairah Department of Civil Aviation; Capt. Esmaeil M. Al Boloushi, General Manager of Fujairah International Airport; Ebraheim Alqallaf, Deputy General Manager; and Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales at IndiGo. Senior representatives from government entities and the private sector were also present, reinforcing the importance of this cross-border aviation milestone.

Leadership Emphasizes Strategic Vision and Mutual Benefits

In his address at the launch event, Mohamed Abdulla Al Salami described the new flight routes as a gateway to deeper cooperation. “This event marks not just the launch of a new route, but the opening of strategic avenues of cooperation and collaboration between our two great nations,” he stated.

Al Salami also highlighted Fujairah’s unique tourism offerings, including its natural landscapes and cultural heritage. The introduction of direct flights to India is expected to make the emirate more accessible to Indian travelers and expatriates, boosting tourism and business travel.

He praised IndiGo’s approach to accessible and high-quality travel, noting that its affordable pricing and wide network resonate well with Fujairah’s residents and business community.

IndiGo Expands Reach While Supporting UAE’s Regional Aviation Goals

Capt. Esmaeil M. Al Boloushi, General Manager of Fujairah International Airport, welcomed IndiGo’s entry with optimism. “We are pleased to mark the launch of IndiGo’s first flights to Mumbai and Kannur—a significant step in enhancing direct connectivity between Fujairah and India,” he said.

He emphasized that the partnership aligns with the UAE’s broader goal of expanding regional aviation hubs beyond its primary airports. The addition of Fujairah to IndiGo’s network supports balanced development and offers travelers an alternative departure point with less congestion and convenient services.

Tourism and Business Travel Receive a Boost

The newly launched routes are expected to stimulate growth in Fujairah’s tourism and business sectors. The city’s coastal scenery, mountain ranges, and historical attractions make it an appealing destination for Indian tourists seeking unique experiences in the UAE.

In parallel, Mumbai and Kannur serve as vibrant economic and cultural hubs. With direct access to these cities, businesses in Fujairah can strengthen cross-border trade ties, attend industry events, and explore commercial opportunities with greater ease.

For India’s large diaspora in the UAE—especially in the northern Emirates—the direct routes simplify travel to home cities, reducing dependence on the more crowded Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports.

Expanded Access to Major Asian Destinations via IndiGo Network

Beyond direct travel to Mumbai and Kannur, the partnership gives Fujairah-based travelers access to an expansive network of Asian cities through IndiGo’s connecting routes.

Passengers can now plan onward travel to destinations like the Maldives, Jakarta, Bangkok, Colombo, Dhaka, Singapore, Kathmandu, and the Seychelles. This improved connectivity enhances Fujairah’s status as a growing aviation gateway and provides greater flexibility for travelers who wish to explore Asia without routing through multiple hubs.

The ability to connect efficiently to such popular destinations adds value to Fujairah’s offering and positions the emirate as a more dynamic entry and exit point for international travel.

Free Ground Transportation Across the UAE Enhances Accessibility

To further support this initiative and ensure maximum convenience for passengers, Fujairah International Airport has introduced a free transportation service that connects all seven Emirates.

This move is expected to encourage travelers from other regions, including Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi, to consider flying from Fujairah, particularly for India-bound trips. The service removes logistical barriers and helps establish the airport as a viable alternative for international departures.

By improving accessibility and integrating with the national transport network, Fujairah is aligning itself with global airport best practices that focus on end-to-end passenger convenience.

UAE Aviation Sector Sees Balanced Development Through Regional Growth

The introduction of international flights at Fujairah International Airport fits within the UAE’s long-term vision for sustainable and inclusive infrastructure development. While Dubai and Abu Dhabi remain major global aviation hubs, enhancing capacity at airports like Fujairah promotes regional balance and resilience within the sector.

Fujairah’s location on the Gulf of Oman gives it strategic access to maritime and air corridors that can be leveraged for future growth. With fewer airspace constraints compared to the Arabian Gulf side, the airport can attract more airlines looking for operational flexibility and new market opportunities.

These new routes also demonstrate confidence in Fujairah’s ability to provide modern aviation services, from passenger handling to ground operations and security.

Long-Term Growth Relies on Strategic Collaboration

The successful operation of these routes depends on ongoing collaboration between airlines, aviation authorities, government entities, and tourism departments. The airport’s leadership, along with IndiGo’s operational experience, positions this partnership for long-term impact.

With consistent performance, passenger satisfaction, and data-driven route planning, there is strong potential for additional destinations to be added in the future. As airlines evaluate demand trends and passenger feedback, Fujairah could soon see more international routes and services.

The synergy between air connectivity and tourism promotion will also be critical. Packages tailored to Indian tourists, visa facilitation, and awareness campaigns can help generate traffic and boost visitor numbers in both directions.

Fujairah Takes Flight into Global Air Travel Network

The launch of direct IndiGo flights from Fujairah to Mumbai and Kannur marks a new chapter for the emirate’s international positioning. What was once a primarily regional airport is now stepping onto the global stage, with improved connectivity that aligns with the UAE’s vision of dynamic growth and global collaboration.

This development enhances travel options for residents, expands commercial opportunities, and makes Fujairah a more prominent player in the UAE’s diversified aviation framework. With better access to Indian cities and onward Asian destinations, travelers gain flexibility while the region gains visibility.

As Fujairah International Airport continues to modernize and build on this momentum, it is well-positioned to contribute meaningfully to the UAE’s broader economic, tourism, and transportation ambitions—one flight at a time.

Written By
Vaishali Mundra