Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Travel to Gulf countries is set to become more convenient for residents of Chandigarh and neighbouring areas, with Air India Express planning to resume direct flights from Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport to Sharjah and Abu Dhabi after a gap of nearly three years.
The two services have been included in the winter flight schedule. Their resumption is expected to improve direct air connectivity between Chandigarh and key destinations in the Gulf region.
However, the final launch of the Sharjah service depends on the completion of certain formalities with the Sharjah airport authorities. According to airport officials, the slot for the route has been secured, while a few formalities remain pending. The situation is expected to become clear by October 26.
Sharjah Flight Planned Four Days a Week
As per the proposed schedule, the Chandigarh-Sharjah flight will operate four days a week — Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
The flight will depart from Chandigarh at 1:50 pm and arrive in Sharjah at 4:50 pm local time. On the return journey, it will take off from Sharjah at 5:50 pm and reach Chandigarh at 11:05 pm.
The ticket fare on the route has been indicated at approximately Rs 23,169 under the flexi-fare category.
Chandigarh-Abu Dhabi Flight Schedule
The Chandigarh-Abu Dhabi service is also set to resume, offering another direct travel option for passengers heading to the United Arab Emirates.
According to the schedule, the flight will depart from Chandigarh at 11:59 am and arrive in Abu Dhabi at 3 pm local time. The return flight will leave Abu Dhabi at 4:30 am and reach Chandigarh at 9:40 am.
The indicative ticket fare for this route is around Rs 21,150 under the flexi-fare category.
Why Were the Flights Suspended?
Air India Express discontinued the Chandigarh-Sharjah service in October 2023, citing a shortage of passengers. Meanwhile, the Chandigarh-Abu Dhabi flight was suspended amid a war-like situation in Gulf countries.
The proposed restoration of both services is expected to benefit travellers from Chandigarh, Punjab, Haryana and nearby regions by providing more direct options for travel to the UAE and reducing their dependence on connecting flights through other airports.
The final operational details, particularly for the Sharjah route, will become clearer once the pending formalities are completed.
