IndiGo, India’s leading airline, has announced the launch of new direct flights connecting Madurai in Tamil Nadu to Abu Dhabi, effective June 13, 2025. This strategic move marks Madurai as the 16th Indian city with direct air connectivity to the capital of the United Arab Emirates, further expanding IndiGo’s growing international footprint. The announcement follows closely on the heels of the airline’s recent introductions of direct flights from Bhubaneswar and Visakhapatnam to Abu Dhabi.
The new tri-weekly direct service will significantly reduce travel time for business professionals, students, tourists, and families, offering a more seamless and affordable travel experience. As part of IndiGo’s commitment to improving access to global destinations, this route aims to facilitate smoother travel and trade by eliminating the need for connecting flights through other Indian metros.
By linking tier-2 cities like Madurai to major international hubs, IndiGo is not only enhancing convenience for travelers but also unlocking economic potential across sectors. The direct route is expected to boost exports of regional specialties such as textiles, agricultural produce, and handicrafts, strengthening trade ties with the UAE and other global markets. It also opens new avenues for local businesses, encouraging investment and fostering regional growth.
With this addition, IndiGo now operates over 280 weekly flights to five destinations in the UAE from 20 cities across India, reinforcing its position as the preferred airline for international travel from India. This expansion aligns with the airline’s broader goal of connecting emerging Indian cities directly to global economic and cultural centers.
Madurai, often called the “Athens of the East,” is one of India’s oldest living cities and a major cultural, educational, and commercial hub in Tamil Nadu. Home to the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple, a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture, Madurai attracts millions of domestic and international visitors each year. It also serves as a vital center for the textile industry, healthcare, and emerging sectors like technology and manufacturing.
Abu Dhabi, the dynamic capital of the UAE, is known for its rich blend of heritage and modernity. From world-renowned attractions such as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Louvre Abu Dhabi, to its thriving business districts and luxury tourism offerings, the city continues to be a key global destination. As a financial and cultural hub, Abu Dhabi presents abundant opportunities for leisure, trade, and collaboration across industries.
IndiGo’s new Madurai–Abu Dhabi route not only simplifies travel between two culturally rich cities but also strengthens India’s aviation and economic connectivity with the Gulf region, paving the way for deeper bilateral ties and inclusive growth.
