The Federation of Indian Airlines (FIA), which represents major carriers such as IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet, has urged the Indian government to request that Dubai authorities lift these restrictions. If unsuccessful, they suggest considering reciprocal actions against Dubai airlines, including Emirates and flydubai, according to a letter sent to the Indian government on March 31.
Indian carriers are already facing financial challenges due to rising fuel costs and longer routes to Western destinations, as they have been prohibited from using Pakistani airspace since last year amid military tensions between the two nations.
In a private email to airlines dated March 27, seen by Reuters, Dubai Airports announced that carriers would only be permitted one round trip per day to Dubai International Airport (DXB), typically the world’s busiest international travel hub, and the smaller Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) during the summer season from April 20 to May 31, maintaining restrictions put in place after the onset of the conflict.
”Carriers will continue to be limited to one rotation per day until capacity allows for more to be accommodated … Additional slots will be provided if capacity permits,” it stated.
The FIA informed the Indian government that these restrictions are not being enforced on Dubai’s airlines like Emirates and flydubai, creating an uneven competitive landscape that could result in “substantial” revenue losses.
Dubai Airports and Dubai’s media office did not respond to multiple requests for comment. Flydubai stated that its flight schedules received approval from the relevant authorities. Emirates did not reply to a request for comment.
The limitations follow longstanding complaints from Emirates and other Gulf airlines regarding India’s bilateral air service agreements, which limit the number of seats allocated between countries. Indian authorities argue that such agreements protect local airlines in a highly competitive market.
INDIAN CARRIERS HARDEST HIT BY CAPS
In 2025, India was the largest source of passengers for DXB, with 11.9 million travelers passing through the hub.
The Dubai restrictions will particularly impact Indian airlines, as evidenced by April and May schedules data from Cirium.
Air India and its low-cost subsidiary Air India Express have planned over 750 flights into DXB during this period. IndiGo has 481 flights scheduled, followed by Saudia and Gulf Air, who have planned for 480 and 404 flights, respectively. SpiceJet was set to operate 61 flights.
The one-flight-per-day rule means that each foreign airline is limited to 30 or 31 flights per month, in contrast to the hundreds of daily flights operated by Emirates and flydubai, according to Flightradar24 data.
IndiGo stated to Reuters that the crisis in the Middle East and the newly extended restrictions in Dubai have “significantly constrained” its operations, as it had an approved summer schedule for 15 daily flights between India and Dubai.
”As a consequence, a considerable amount of IndiGo’s capacity and aircraft time is currently underutilized,” IndiGo noted in its initial comments on the crisis.
Inquiries from Air India, SpiceJet, and Indian authorities did not receive a response.
Air India Express told Reuters that the restrictions have “significantly curtailed” its planned operations despite a relatively strong demand on India-UAE routes, limiting choices for travelers, especially those from smaller cities, and emphasizing the need for a “fair and reciprocal operating framework.”
Other major airlines like Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, and British Airways had far fewer flights to Dubai compared to Indian carriers before the crisis and have suspended all flights to the city until at least May 31.
Instead, they are increasing non-stop Asia-Europe flights to benefit from strong passenger demand that has driven prices up.
