Flights from India to Dubai: Delhi, Mumbai and Direct Routes

Dubai is one of the best-connected cities in the world for Indian travellers. Direct flights link Dubai with more than 20 Indian cities, from the metros to Kochi, Kozhikode, Amritsar, Lucknow and Jaipur, with dozens of departures every day on full-service and low-cost airlines.

This guide explains how to reach Dubai from India: flight times from the main cities, airlines, Dubai's airports and terminals, and tips for getting good fares. Schedules change often, so check current timings when you book; we are happy to quote flights with your Dubai package.

Most flights land at Dubai International Airport (DXB), one of the busiest airports in the world, about 15 to 25 minutes from Deira and Bur Dubai and 30 to 40 minutes from Downtown and Dubai Marina, depending on traffic. It has three passenger terminals: Terminal 3 for Emirates, Terminal 2 mainly for flydubai, and Terminal 1 for most other international airlines, including Air India and IndiGo. A few flights use Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) at Dubai South, about 45 to 60 minutes from the city. Check your ticket so your driver goes to the right airport and terminal.

Delhi to Dubai flights take about 3.5 to 4 hours, with many departures every day on Emirates, Air India, IndiGo, flydubai, SpiceJet and others. Morning and afternoon flights arrive in time for an evening dhow cruise, while late-night flights arrive in the early morning, so ask for an early check-in. Dubai is 1.5 hours behind India, so you gain time on the way there.

Mumbai to Dubai flights take about 3 hours and are among the most frequent international routes from India, with Emirates, Air India, IndiGo, Akasa Air, flydubai and Air India Express. Pune also has direct flights to Dubai.

Times are indicative and vary by airline and season.

Full-service: Emirates and Air India, with checked baggage and meals included. Low-cost: IndiGo, Air India Express, Akasa Air, SpiceJet and flydubai, where checked baggage and meals may cost extra. Emirates and flydubai also connect onwards to Europe, Africa and other destinations, which makes Dubai an easy stopover on longer trips.

• Book early for Diwali, Christmas, New Year, Eid and summer holidays, when fares rise sharply.
• Compare total prices, including baggage, on low-cost carriers.
• Travel mid-week where possible.
• Check nearby airports: sometimes Pune instead of Mumbai, or Jaipur instead of Delhi, is cheaper.
• Consider shoulder months such as April, May, September and October.

Keep baggage within the airline's allowance, as excess fees can be high. When returning to India, remember Indian customs limits on gold, electronics and other goods, and keep your purchase receipts. UAE customs prohibits some medicines without approval; carry prescriptions for any medicines you take. See our Dubai shopping guide and travel tips.

Many flights from India land in Dubai late at night or very early in the morning. Hotel check-in is usually in the afternoon, so for early arrivals we can arrange an early check-in or a room from the previous night, subject to availability. If you arrive in the afternoon, an evening dhow cruise is a gentle way to start your holiday, which is why our Dubai Delight package begins with one.

Emirates and flydubai connect Dubai with Europe, Africa, the Americas and the rest of the Middle East, so many Indian travellers add two or three nights in Dubai on the way to or from Europe, the USA or Africa. A stopover usually needs a UAE visa; we can arrange the visa, hotel and a short city tour around your connecting flights.

Our Dubai tour packages are land-only by default, so you can choose your preferred airline and timing, but we can quote a complete Dubai package with flights from your city, matching flight times to your hotel check-in and transfers. Remember to arrange your visa before you fly; see our Dubai visa guide for Indians.