Traveling to the UAE from India? IndiGo’s Ongoing Disruptions Could Lead to Higher Fares and Limited Flights from Dubai and Abu Dhabi: What Travelers Need to Know

Published on December 8, 2025

India’s leading airline, IndiGo, is facing a crisis that may ripple through the UAE-India aviation routes. Known for its dominance in the market, IndiGo accounts for about 64-65% of domestic traffic within India and operates a significant number of flights between India and the UAE, including busy routes from Dubai and Abu Dhabi. However, ongoing operational disruptions are threatening to impact not only the airline’s flight schedules but also the airfares that passengers across both nations rely on.

With recent turbulence surrounding IndiGo — due to stricter pilot regulations and internal leadership issues — Indian travelers might find themselves facing higher flight costs, reduced options, and greater uncertainty when booking trips to the UAE. As the airline has been a reliable carrier for millions flying between India and the Gulf region, this crisis could be a pivotal moment for the market, with potential consequences on airfares and overall flight availability.

The Ripple Effect on Fares and Flight Availability

IndiGo has long been a dominant player in the UAE-India market. With 220 weekly flights operating between India and the UAE, the airline connects several cities, including Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi, with major Indian hubs. Of these flights, 111 weekly services are dedicated solely to connecting India with Abu Dhabi, a route heavily relied upon by business and leisure travelers.

However, disruptions at IndiGo, particularly in the form of cancellations and delayed flights, could result in fewer available seats. Aviation experts predict that even a brief reduction in capacity could trigger a 10-15% increase in airfares across key India-Gulf routes, especially during peak travel periods like the winter months and year-end holidays, when demand is typically high. Passengers may face airfares reaching Dh1,700 to Dh2,000 for flights from the UAE to Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, or Chennai, further burdening travelers already dealing with inflationary pressures.

Given IndiGo’s substantial market share, this crisis could also create a domino effect on other airlines, forcing them to either increase fares or reduce their own services on the same routes to accommodate the demand shift.

Will Other Airlines Fill the Gap?

The most immediate question facing Indian travelers and tourists heading to the UAE is whether other airlines can fill the gap created by IndiGo’s instability. Air India, while a major player, has its own challenges, as it is currently undergoing a multi-year turnaround and has limited capacity to quickly step into the void. Meanwhile, second-tier carriers operating between India and the Gulf — such as SpiceJet, GoAir, and Air India Express — may struggle to match IndiGo’s scale and affordability.

Experts argue that if IndiGo’s crisis persists, the market could see a further concentration of flights among a few carriers, exacerbating pricing pressures. Travelers may have fewer low-cost options, with higher demand pushing up the cost of flying.

Challenges Beyond Schedules: Leadership Woes at IndiGo

The crisis at IndiGo isn’t just limited to scheduling disruptions; it’s compounded by deeper issues related to governance and leadership cohesion. The airline has experienced internal leadership turbulence, which has contributed to a lack of alignment and slower decision-making processes. Without strong leadership, IndiGo may struggle to recover quickly, leading to continued instability.

This internal strife threatens to compromise the airline’s reputation for reliability and predictability, essential traits that have made IndiGo a trusted choice for millions. Travelers used to the airline’s dependability may find themselves questioning the future stability of the carrier, further impacting the flight options between India and the UAE.

What Should Travelers Do?

For those planning to fly from the UAE to India during the upcoming months, booking flights early will be more important than ever. Travelers are advised to monitor flight schedules closely, as last-minute cancellations could make it more difficult to find affordable alternatives. Travelers should also consider booking through carriers that have robust contingency plans in place, such as Emirates or Etihad, which have established routes between the two nations but may be operating at higher prices due to the surge in demand.

Additionally, flexible travel dates can help avoid the worst of the fare hikes, especially during peak travel seasons like winter holidays or the year-end rush. Travel insurance that covers cancellations and delays will be a wise investment during this period of volatility.

How Does the Government Cap on Fares Affect Travelers?

India’s government has stepped in to cap airfares to prevent an exponential surge in ticket prices. This policy is particularly aimed at keeping fares affordable for domestic passengers. However, while the caps are helpful on domestic routes, they may not provide sufficient protection for international flights. If airlines are forced to reduce their capacity due to IndiGo’s instability, the policy may not be enough to prevent airfares from increasing on the most sought-after international routes like those between India and the UAE.

The Future of Indian Aviation and Tourism

As the situation unfolds, Indian travelers will have to consider alternative airlines or be prepared for potentially higher costs. This crisis may reshape the aviation landscape in India and the UAE, as the ongoing struggles of IndiGo highlight the fragility of even the most dominant carriers. It is a reminder that aviation markets are highly vulnerable to operational and leadership disruptions.

For the tourism industry, which thrives on predictable flight schedules, the ongoing crisis at IndiGo could have broader implications, particularly for the booming travel sector between India and the UAE. Those planning vacations to Dubai or Abu Dhabi might face challenges not only with affordable airfares but also in securing last-minute flights, especially if the crisis deepens.

Summary of Key Information

• IndiGo controls 64-65% of the Indian domestic market share.
• 220 weekly flights are operated between India and the UAE, with 111 weekly services connecting India to Abu Dhabi.
• Airfares could increase by 10-15% due to capacity reductions.
• Air India and other carriers may struggle to absorb the additional demand.
• Government caps on domestic fares may not be effective for international routes.
• Travelers should plan early, consider alternative carriers, and use flexible travel dates.