Guwahati: In a significant boost to Assam’s international air connectivity, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday announced that Air India will commence direct flights from Guwahati to Dubai and Abu Dhabi from August 4.

Sharing the development through a post on social media platform X, the Chief Minister said the new international services would further strengthen Assam’s links with the global community.

“Opening new avenues to connect Assam to the global community! Just days after EU member states lifted their travel advisory for Assam, I am happy to share that from 4th August, Air India will commence direct flights from Guwahati to Dubai and Abu Dhabi,” Sarma stated.

The launch of the two non-stop routes will significantly enhance the international reach of Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport. With the addition of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Guwahati Airport will now have direct connectivity to four countries, namely the United Arab Emirates, Thailand, Singapore and Bhutan.

The Chief Minister also revealed plans to further expand Guwahati’s international network.”My next goal is to commence direct services to Vietnam and I will keep you posted on that,” he said.

Sarma described the new flights as a major milestone in the state’s efforts to transform Guwahati into a key aviation gateway for the region. “This is a big fillip in our efforts to position Guwahati as a major travel and transit hub for Southeast Asia,” he added.

The announcement is expected to benefit business travellers, tourists and the large Indian diaspora in the Gulf region, while also enhancing trade, tourism and investment opportunities for Assam and the wider Northeast.