Airlines Expand Regional Routes
Air India plans to restore Chandigarh-Sharjah flights as flydubai expands its global network.
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The proposed Chandigarh–Sharjah service is tentatively scheduled to depart Chandigarh at 1:50 p.m. and return from Sharjah at 5:50 p.m., with an expected introductory fare of about Rs 17,400. Air India is also understood to have secured the necessary airport slots, despite the lack of formal confirmation to airport authorities.
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Sharjah was the destination of Chandigarh airport’s first international flight after the airport became operational in September 2015, before the route was discontinued in October 2023.
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During the summer, flydubai operated flights to 11 seasonal destinations, including Bodrum, Corfu, Mykonos, Santorini and Tivat, which were reported to be popular with UAE travellers and connecting passengers.
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The Emirates–flydubai partnership provides access to more than 214 unique destinations in over 100 countries and creates more than 4,600 connection opportunities through Dubai; flydubai passengers can use services from both Terminals 2 and 3 at Dubai International Airport.
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flydubai CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith said the airline remained focused on restoring its network “safely and efficiently” despite a challenging operating environment, while citing customer confidence and strong demand on recently launched routes as reasons for expanding capacity.
Air India is preparing to restore direct flights between Chandigarh and Sharjah starting October 26, operating four times weekly on a Boeing 737 Travel Trade Journal. The route, which was discontinued in October 2023, would offer travellers in India's Chandigarh region a new gateway to the UAE without routing through Delhi. Meanwhile, flydubai has rebuilt 85% of its network and now serves more than 125 destinations across 56 countries with approximately 2,200 weekly flights Travel Trade Journal.
The two carriers have signed interline agreements that give passengers combined access to over 80 additional destinations, strengthening connectivity across Asia, Australia and Europe myind.net. flydubai CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith said the airline remains focused on restoring its network "safely and efficiently" despite challenging operating conditions, citing strong customer demand and confidence in recently launched routes.
Air India Revives Chandigarh Route With New Sharjah Link
The proposed Chandigarh–Sharjah service would depart Chandigarh at 1:50 p.m. and return from Sharjah at 5:50 p.m., with introductory fares around Rs 17,400 (roughly $210 USD) Travel Trade Journal. Air India has reportedly secured the necessary airport slots, though Chandigarh airport authorities have not received formal confirmation. Sharjah was the destination of Chandigarh airport's first international flight when the airport opened in September 2015.
flydubai Expands Network Across 125 Destinations Globally
flydubai has restored or launched routes to Aleppo, Benghazi and Bangkok, with Bangkok now receiving three daily nonstop flights Travel Trade Journal. The airline plans to begin service to Pokhara on September 23, making it the carrier's second destination in Nepal after Kathmandu. During summer, flydubai operated seasonal flights to 11 destinations including Bodrum, Corfu, Mykonos, Santorini and Tivat, which proved popular with UAE travellers and connecting passengers.
Emirates Partnership Creates 4,600 Connection Opportunities
The Emirates–flydubai partnership provides access to more than 214 unique destinations in over 100 countries and creates more than 4,600 connection opportunities through Dubai myind.net. flydubai passengers can use services from both Terminals 2 and 3 at Dubai International Airport. The interline agreements with Air India and Uzbekistan Airways further expand this network, opening over 80 additional destinations across Asia, Australia and Europe for flydubai customers.
Strong Leisure Travel Demand Drives Winter Capacity Growth
flydubai is adding capacity on year-round Central Asian routes and expects leisure and visiting-friends-and-relatives travel to remain strong through winter Travel Trade Journal. The airline's focus on expanding service despite operating challenges reflects confidence in sustained passenger demand. These additions complement the broader network recovery, which has now reached 85% of pre-disruption levels with 2,200 weekly flights across its global route network.
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