Indian airlines are expected to bear the brunt of fresh aviation restrictions imposed by authorities in Dubai, which have capped foreign carriers to just one daily flight to the emirate’s airports until May 31, amid the ongoing crisis in West Asia.
The move, triggered by the Iran-related conflict in the region, is likely to significantly disrupt operations and revenues of Indian carriers, which had scheduled the highest number of flights to Dubai compared to airlines from other countries. According to reports, the restriction applies to both Dubai International Airport (DXB), one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs, and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), for the summer travel period between April 20 and May 31.
Industry data indicates that Indian carriers had aggressively planned operations to Dubai, reflecting strong passenger demand between India and the Gulf. Air India and its low-cost arm Air India Express had scheduled over 750 flights to Dubai during this period, while IndiGo had planned nearly 500 services. In comparison, other international airlines had fewer scheduled flights, making Indian operators the most exposed to the new cap.
The restriction drastically reduces permitted operations to roughly 30–31 flights per month per airline, a sharp drop from the multiple daily services previously operated. This is expected to lead to underutilisation of aircraft and capacity, with airlines struggling to redeploy resources efficiently. IndiGo has already indicated that the curbs have “significantly constrained” its operations, as it had approvals for up to 15 daily flights to Dubai during the summer schedule.
The Federation of Indian Airlines (FIA), representing major carriers such as IndiGo, Air India and SpiceJet, has raised concerns with the Indian government over the restrictions. In a communication sent in late March, the industry body urged authorities to engage with Dubai officials to reconsider the curbs. It also suggested the possibility of reciprocal measures against Dubai-based carriers like Emirates and flydubai if the restrictions remain unchanged.
A key concern flagged by Indian airlines is the perceived imbalance in the implementation of these restrictions. While foreign carriers face strict caps, Dubai-based airlines are reportedly not subject to the same limitations, potentially giving them a competitive advantage in an already strained market.
The latest development adds to the mounting challenges faced by Indian aviation companies. Airlines are already grappling with elevated fuel costs and longer flight routes to Europe and North America after being barred from using Pakistani airspace due to geopolitical tensions. These factors have significantly increased operational expenses, further squeezing margins.
India remains a critical market for Dubai, having been the largest source of passengers for the airport in 2025, with nearly 11.9 million travellers. The curbs, therefore, not only affect airlines but may also disrupt passenger traffic flows and connectivity between the two regions.
Meanwhile, several international airlines, including major European carriers, have opted to suspend flights to Dubai altogether during this period, instead focusing on alternative routes amid shifting demand patterns caused by the ongoing conflict.
With the restrictions set to remain in place until the end of May, the aviation sector continues to navigate uncertainty, as geopolitical tensions reshape flight operations and global travel dynamics.
