Air India Now Offers Affordable Flights, But Safety Concerns Make Travelers Hesitant in UAE: What You Need To Know Before You Plan

Written By: Minal Aditi Lakra

Minal Aditi Lakra

I graduated with a degree in Finance from the University of Calcutta and further strengthened my financial expertise by pursuing both the Chartered Accountancy (CA) and Certified Financial Planner (CFP) programs. Over the past decade, I have dedicated myself to building a career aligned with my long-term professional aspirations, combining analytical thinking with strategic communication. Currently, I work as a Public Relations Strategist at Travel And Tour World (TTW), a global travel media platform that connects industry leaders with travelers worldwide. My role involves translating the vision, insights, and innovations of tourism stakeholders—including governments, tourism boards, airlines, hospitality brands, and event organizers—into compelling stories that inform, inspire, and influence global travel audiences. Through strategic storytelling and media engagement, I help bridge the gap between industry leadership and evolving traveler expectations.

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July 31, 2025 12:46 PM

Image generated with Ai

While summer air travel to or from the UAE and India continues to surge, with travellers opting for Air India Express and Air India for low-cost flight tickets. Travelers are lining up for cost savings with tickets that are as much as half the price of other carriers. But a string of safety concerns and service disruptions has called into question whether to book with the airline.

Price Disparity Between Air India and Other Carriers has Led to a Spurt in its Popularity

With airfares on the rise in between the UAE and India, Air India low fares have become the talk of the town. Flights between Dubai and Mumbai, for example, can be booked for Dh291 at least, rather than Dh580 on other airlines. Also, fares from Dubai to Chennai have dropped to Dh734 on Air India, a far cry from the Dh1,290 charged by other airlines.

For those looking for non-stop flights to India, Air India Express provides even cheaper air fares, with a Dubai to Thiruvananthapuram flight at Dh403, compared to Dh1,040 with other carries.

Effect of Ahmedabad tragedy on confidence of travelers

However, some UAE residents are hesitant to fly Air India due to its low fares. The unfortunate crash of Air India flight AI171 on June 12, 2025, has shaken the faith of travellers. The flight, which was headed to London Gatwick Airport, crashed soon after takeoff from Ahmedabad, killing 241 of the 242 passengers aboard, and at least 19 others on the ground.

Since the crash, which killed 157 people, many travelers have been reluctant to book with the airline, choosing instead to fly more established carriers. This narrow escape from disaster continues to haunt the traveller, and cheap fares cannot rebuild Air India’s lost trust, despite being offered for the taking.

Delays, Discomfort and Safety and Operational Concerns Keep Travelers from the Skies

Besides the Ahmedabad tragedy, passengers have taken to social media to complain about frequent delays and technical glitches on Air India and Air India Express. Reports of broken air-conditioning units and passengers sweating through their flight attire on video might suggest otherwise. In one case, a UAE-India flight was delayed by more than six hours, while the aircraft had landed much before the scheduled time.

These upheavals have made a lot of travelers consider other options. Social media posts on the issues have further piqued apprehensions toward Air India though the carrier still operates several flights on busy routes every day.

Air India’s Reply to Operational Hindrances

Acknowledging the issues and expressing concern over the operational deficiency, an Air India Express spokesperson assured that the problems were being taken very seriously and were being dealt with proactively. The airline says it has made reliability and customer service a focus.

Despite Wizz Air’s efforts, many passengers like Subair Thekepurathvalappil, Senior Manager at Wisefox Tourism, informed that Ahmedabad crash incident was still in the memory of the passengers, which is why they were reluctant to fly the airline.

Airline Alternatives: UAE’s Flag Carriers

The Air India disruptions have also pushed some travelers toward other carriers, which charge slightly more but offer better reliability and comfort. Emirates and Etihad are much pricier options, but would be a safe haven for those that want that extra peace of mind. Emirates, Etihad and flydubai provide a superior service and a greater level of operational reliability.

The flights between the UAE and India by Emirates offers a higher standard in travel experience, less delays, better service beefs on-flight etc. and not to mention so here things. And you pay a premium for that, the comfort and liability.

Air India’s 75th Anniversary – Where Does the UAE Stand?

Despite its troubles, Air India also has reached new heights — as the first choice for many fliers because of its affordable fares and new destinations. The airline continues to upgrade its fleet in a bid to upgrade passenger offering. But the Ahmedabad crash and the follow-up operational problems has been a blow to the airline’s image, resulting in a changed preference for some passengers.

Experts in the industry have forecast that Air India’s share of the market in the UAE could take a small hit in the near future because of these problems. Nonetheless, with continuing improvements in its service and its growing fleet, the airline will hopefully win back some of the market’s faith in the longer term.

Passenger Point of View: Why Some Continue to Fly Air India

Despite all this, passengers choose to travel in Air India and AI Express, on account of its cheaper fares and regular connectivity. For residents, cheap fares matter more than the perceived safety risks. They argue that, though there are some frustrations (from inconvenience through mental and physical pain), the cost savings are similarly frustrating but may be worth considering. Ali explained that he opted to fly with another airline after learning about a friend’s delayed flight, but he still finds Air India’s offerings attractive.

Bottom Line: Can Air India Recover Its Costumers’ Trust?

With many UAE residents yet to make a decision, the low-cost fares offered by Air India are likely to continue attracting travellers looking for a good deal. But it is now airline’s onus to regain flight reliability and regain passenger trust in the wake of the Ahmedabad crash. Air India’s handling of these challenges will be closely watched by travelers over the next few months.