Airlines Adjusted Fares and Routes for Winter Travel
Carriers have updated flight schedules and fuel fees ahead of the busy holiday travel season between the UAE and India.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Middle East
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Airlines operating between the UAE and India have implemented new fuel surcharges and adjusted capacity in anticipation of increased demand during upcoming school breaks and festivals. Carriers such as IndiGo and Air Arabia have updated their pricing and flight schedules to accommodate the seasonal travel surge.
Why it matters
Adjustments to flight capacity and costs are being made to manage the anticipated rise in passengers traveling for holiday breaks and festivals. By refining network schedules and implementing fuel fees, airlines are preparing for the heavy traffic expected through the end of the year.
IndiGo introduced a fuel charge of INR 5,500 (approximately Dh215) per sector on GCC routes, while Mumbai airport has proposed a reduction of 265 out of 770 weekly international departure slots. Air India Express has also expanded its winter network to include 135 daily departures connecting 23 Indian cities.
The players
IndiGo
IndiGo is a low-cost airline based in India that maintains a significant presence in regional and international aviation markets.
Air India Express
Air India Express is an international budget airline subsidiary of Air India that focuses on connecting Indian cities to destinations in the Middle East.
Air Arabia
Air Arabia is a low-cost airline headquartered in Sharjah that provides extensive connectivity between the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent.
MIAL
Mumbai International Airport Limited is the private operator responsible for managing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.
The details
Airlines are actively reconfiguring their operations to account for shifting capacity, including the redevelopment work at Mumbai's Terminal 1 and the upcoming opening of a new airport 50km away. Travelers are reminded to utilize the Air Suvidha online system to submit mandatory health and travel declarations before their international arrivals.
Timeline
October 6, 2026: IndiGo implemented a new fuel charge of INR 5,500 per sector.
October 12-16, 2026: Travel period for the school half-term break.
October 16, 2026: Air Arabia resumed daily flights between Ras Al Khaimah and Kozhikode.
October 25, 2026: Date for proposed Mumbai airport slot reductions.
March 27, 2027: Scheduled end for the Air India Express winter network.
Travel Outlook
These scheduling shifts reflect a broader pattern of seasonal adjustments where carriers optimize routes to accommodate high-traffic holiday periods. This cycle aligns with the historical rise in travel volume during the fourth quarter as airlines balance gate availability with demand for popular international gateways.
Travelers should book flights as early as possible to avoid the rising fares projected for peak October and December holidays. It is also essential to complete health and travel declarations via the Air Suvidha portal well in advance of departure to ensure smooth processing upon arrival in India.
The takeaway
Travelers should anticipate higher costs and potential flight re-routing as airlines adjust to infrastructure changes and holiday demand. Keeping track of airline-specific surcharge notifications and airport terminal updates will help mitigate travel disruptions.
Further reading
For more information on regional aviation updates, visit the Middle East travel section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by GULF NEWS.
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