Abu Dhabi to Delhi Flight Routes, Fares & Airlines Guide 2026
Plan your Abu Dhabi to Delhi flight with updated fares, airlines, schedules, booking tips, travel options and essential information for 2026.

Kajal Bharti
Travel Researcher with 3+ Years of Experience in Destination Research and Travel Planning.

Few air corridors are as busy as the one between the UAE capital and India's capital. Families heading home, professionals on business trips, students and holidaymakers fly it all year round. That means frequent departures, plenty of airlines and fares to suit most budgets. This Abu Dhabi to Delhi flight guide covers airlines, prices, flight times, airports, paperwork and the best moment to book, so you can lock in the right ticket with confidence.
Note: fares, schedules and terminals change often. Treat the figures below as planning estimates and confirm them on the airline's website or your booking platform before paying.
Abu Dhabi to Delhi and Vice Versa Flight Overview
Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Delhi (DEL) sit roughly 2,200 km apart, a short flight of about three and a half to four hours over the Arabian Sea and western India. Nonstop flights leave throughout the day, so finding an Abu Dhabi to Delhi flight that fits your schedule is rarely a problem. If you prefer to save money, there are also one-stop itineraries through other Gulf and regional hubs, often at lower prices.
For anyone planning Abu Dhabi to Delhi travel for the first time, this table gives the route at a glance:
Detail | Abu Dhabi → Delhi | Delhi → Abu Dhabi |
Airport codes | AUH → DEL | DEL → AUH |
Approx. distance | 2,200 km | 2,200 km |
Nonstop flight time | 3h 30m – 3h 50m | 3h 50m – 4h 15m |
Nonstop carriers | Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo, Etihad | Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo, Etihad |
Connecting carriers | Jazeera, Gulf Air, Qatar Airways, Saudia, EgyptAir | Jazeera, Gulf Air, Qatar Airways, Saudia, Ethiopian, Biman, EgyptAir |
Time difference | India is 1.5 hours ahead of the UAE | UAE is 1.5 hours behind India |
Travelers looking for a Delhi to Abu Dhabi flight get the same nonstop airlines, along with a longer list of connecting options than on the outbound leg
Abu Dhabi to New Delhi and New Delhi to Abu Dhabi Airport Information
Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport (AUH)
Zayed International is Abu Dhabi's main gateway, and international flights use the modern Terminal A. Expect quick check-in, a good selection of duty-free shops, lounges and places to eat. For international departures, plan to be at the airport around three hours early, particularly during busy periods.
Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), New Delhi
IGI Airport is India's busiest and one of its most important international hubs. Most overseas flights use Terminal 3, but assignments can differ by airline, so check your booking or the airline app before you set off.
Feature | Abu Dhabi (AUH) | New Delhi (DEL) |
Airport name | Zayed International Airport | Indira Gandhi International Airport |
Main terminal used | Terminal A | Mainly Terminal 3 (confirm with airline) |
Distance to city centre | 30 km (Abu Dhabi city) | 16 km (central New Delhi) |
Facilities | Lounges, duty-free, restaurants, prayer rooms | Lounges, duty-free, food courts, forex counters, SIM counters |
Ground transport | Taxis, buses, ride-hailing | Metro, taxis, ride-hailing, buses |
Getting from New Delhi Airport to the City
Once you land, you have several simple ways to get into town, depending on your budget and destination.
Option | Approx. Time | Approx. Cost | Best For |
Airport Express Metro (to New Delhi station) | 20 minutes | Low (under ₹100) | Quick, traffic-free rides to central Delhi |
Prepaid taxi | 30–60 min | Moderate | Late arrivals and heavy luggage |
App-based cabs (Uber, Ola, etc.) | 30–60 min | Moderate | Door-to-door comfort |
Airport shuttle/DTC buses | 45–75 min | Very low | Budget-conscious travelers |
Hotel pickup | 30–60 min | Varies | Pre-arranged, stress-free transfers |
For Central Delhi, the Airport Express Metro is usually the smartest pick because it skips road traffic entirely. If you are heading to Gurugram or Noida, a cab tends to be more practical.
Documents Required for Abu Dhabi to New Delhi Travel
Keep the documents below ready before your Abu Dhabi to Delhi flight and double-check them before leaving for the airport.
Traveler Type | Documents Needed |
Indian passport holders (UAE residents) | Valid passport (ideally 6+ months validity), UAE residence visa/Emirates ID, return or onward ticket |
Foreign nationals | Valid passport, valid Indian visa or e-Visa (as applicable to nationality), confirmed ticket |
OCI/PIO cardholders | Passport, valid OCI card |
Children | Passport, and birth certificate or parental consent documents where relevant |
All travelers | Printed or digital ticket, hotel or address details in India, and any health documents if requirements apply |
Indian customs rules cover duty-free limits, gold, electronics and cash, so review the current allowances before you pack. Immigration and health requirements can change too, so verify them on official Indian government and airline pages shortly before departure.
Abu Dhabi to Delhi Flight Ticket Price (One-Way)
The pricing of one-way depends on the airline, season, and the time when booking is done. In case of comparison of the Abu Dhabi to Delhi flight ticket price among airlines, the below are indicative ranges of prices:
Airline Type | Approx. One-Way Fare (AED) | Approx. One-Way Fare (INR) |
Low-cost nonstop (Air India Express, IndiGo) | AED 450 – 800 | INR 10,000 – 18,000 |
Full-service nonstop (Air India, Etihad) | AED 600 – 1,100 | INR 13,500 – 25,000 |
One-stop connecting (Gulf Air, Qatar, Saudia, etc.) | AED 500 – 1,000 | INR 11,000 – 22,500 |
Peak-season/last-minute | AED 900 – 1,800+ | INR 20,000 – 40,000+ |
You will usually find the best deals on weekdays, in shoulder months and when you book several weeks in advance. Prices hike-up quickly around Diwali, Eid, school holidays and the year-end rush, so it pays to reserve your Abu Dhabi to Delhi flight early .
Abu Dhabi to Delhi Round-Trip Flight Ticket Price
A return ticket often works out cheaper per leg than booking two separate one-way flights, especially with full-service airlines and for trips lasting one to four weeks.
Fare Type | Approx. Round-Trip Fare (AED) | Approx. Round-Trip Fare (INR) |
Budget nonstop | AED 850 – 1,400 | INR 19,000 – 31,500 |
Full-service nonstop | AED 1,100 – 1,900 | INR 25,000 – 43,000 |
Connecting flights | AED 900 – 1,600 | INR 20,000 – 36,000 |
Peak season | AED 1,600 – 3,000+ | INR 36,000 – 67,000+ |
When you weigh up Abu Dhabi Delhi airfare, add up the full cost, including baggage, meals and seat selection. Budget airlines often charge for these extras, which can shrink the price gap with full-service carriers, so the cheapest headline fare is not always the best deal. If you prefer a full-service round trip from Abu Dhabi's home carrier, you can compare return fares and cabin options on the Etihad Airways website.
Abu Dhabi to New Delhi and New Delhi to Abu Dhabi Flight Duration
On a nonstop flight, the Abu Dhabi to Delhi travel time is around 3.5 to 4 hours. The return journey from Delhi usually takes a bit longer because of prevailing winds.
Route Type | Typical Duration |
Abu Dhabi → New Delhi (nonstop) | 3h 30m – 3h 50m |
New Delhi → Abu Dhabi (nonstop) | 3h 50m – 4h 15m |
One-stop connecting (either direction) | 6h – 12h+ (depends on layover) |
Keep the 1.5-hour time difference in mind when arranging airport pickups, hotel check-ins and onward plans after your Abu Dhabi to Delhi flight lands.
Airlines Operating from Abu Dhabi to New Delhi and New Delhi to Abu Dhabi
A wide range of carriers serve this corridor, either nonstop or through a connecting hub. Here are the main airlines flying Abu Dhabi to Delhi:
Airline | Type | Direction |
Air India | Nonstop, full-service | Both |
Air India Express | Nonstop, low-cost | Both |
IndiGo | Nonstop, low-cost | Both |
Etihad Airways | Nonstop, full-service | Both |
Jazeera Airways | Connecting (via Kuwait) | Both |
Gulf Air | Connecting (via Bahrain) | Both |
Qatar Airways | Connecting (via Doha) | Both |
Saudia | Connecting (via Saudi hubs) | Both |
EgyptAir | Connecting (via Cairo) | Both |
Ethiopian Airlines | Connecting (via Addis Ababa) | Delhi → Abu Dhabi |
Biman Bangladesh Airlines | Connecting (via Dhaka) | Delhi → Abu Dhabi |
Air India also sells itineraries that combine its own network with partner airlines such as EgyptAir. If you want one ticket and a smoother connection, ask about codeshare options. You can check current fares, baggage rules and codeshare itineraries directly on the Air India website.
Non-Stop Abu Dhabi to New Delhi Direct Flights
An Abu Dhabi to Delhi direct flight gets you there faster, spares you layover hassle and reduces the chance of missed connections or delayed baggage. Four airlines operate nonstop on this route.
Airline | Service Style | Key Features |
Air India | Full-service | Meals, checked baggage included, economy and business options |
Air India Express | Low-cost | Lower base fares; pay extra for meals, seats and additional baggage |
IndiGo | Low-cost | Frequent departures, good on-time record, add-on fares |
Etihad Airways | Full-service | Premium cabin, inflight entertainment, strong Abu Dhabi hub |
If you are wondering about the Abu Dhabi Delhi flight schedule, departures are spread across the morning, afternoon and evening, with several flights every day. Exact timings shift with the season, so check the airline app or a flight-search site for the latest times. For IndiGo's frequent departures and add-on fares, you can view the latest schedule and book on IndiGo's official website.
Time Window | Availability (Typical) |
Early morning | Yes, on select carriers |
Daytime | Multiple options |
Evening | Multiple options |
Late night/red-eye | Yes, on select carriers |
Abu Dhabi to New Delhi Connecting Flights
A connecting Abu Dhabi to Delhi flight can cost less, or be the only option when nonstop seats sell out. They do add layover time, so they suit travelers who care more about price than speed.
Airline | Typical Connection Hub | Typical Total Journey Time |
Jazeera Airways | Kuwait City | 6h – 10h |
Gulf Air | Bahrain | 6h – 10h |
Qatar Airways | Doha | 6h – 12h |
Saudia | Jeddah/Riyadh | 7h – 12h |
EgyptAir | Cairo | 9h – 14h+ |
Look at how long the layover is (roughly 90 minutes to 4 hours is comfortable) and whether you need to switch terminals or pick up your bags. When booking a Delhi flight from Abu Dhabi with a stopover, also confirm that no transit visa applies to your nationality. If a stopover in Doha suits your plans, you can explore Qatar Airways' routes, layover times and fares on the Qatar Airways website.
On the return leg, the extra airlines (Ethiopian, Biman and EgyptAir) can be a handy fallback when fares to Abu Dhabi jump during holiday periods.
Flight Booking Tips
Keep these pointers in mind whenever you search for an Abu Dhabi to Delhi flight:
Compare across platforms: Look at airline websites and at least two comparison sites, since prices and promotions vary.
Stay flexible on dates: Sometimes, pushing your travel date by a few days (or even weeks) can dramatically lower the price of your ticket.
See the fine print: Some cheap airline tickets don’t allow any checked baggage. It’s better to add it while booking the ticket, as it is cheaper than at the airport.
Set fare alerts: Price alerts help you catch a drop as soon as it happens.
Think about round-trip tickets: they are always less expensive than booking two one-way tickets.
Compare the entire cost, not just the price of the ticket: Food, choice of seats, and fees for payment methods add up to a significant difference.
Read the change and refund policy: A flexible fare is priced higher; it gives you an option to change your plans without any problem.
Book connections on a single ticket: It ensures you are covered if the first flight is delayed.
Double-check your terminal and check-in time: You should always double-check these before heading out to the airport.
Best Time to Book Abu Dhabi-Delhi Flights
Factor | Best Practice |
How early to book | Typically 3–8 weeks before departure for the best prices |
Peak-season travel (Diwali, Eid, summer holidays, December) | Book 2–4 months ahead |
Cheapest days to fly | Often Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday |
Cheapest months | Shoulder periods outside festival and school-holiday peaks |
Time of day | Early morning or late-night flights are often cheaper |
Fares are likely to rise sharply in the last two weeks before departure, so avoid waiting until the last minute to book peak-season travel. If your dates are fixed, booking your Abu Dhabi to Delhi flight now is usually the safest way to secure a good price.
Why is This Route Considered as the Most-Operated Route?
The UAE-India corridor has one of the busiest international air routes and Abu Dhabi-Delhi is a significant segment of it.
There are several reasons why this is so:
A large Indian community: Millions of Indians are working and living in the UAE, which means a permanent demand for family visits for the celebration of holidays and festivals.
Mutual business interests: The business sector is one of the key factors in the strategic partnership between the countries. It includes trade, investment, real estate and service sectors.
A relatively short flight: Under four hours of flying time, making it ideal for regular travel including weekend breaks.
Generous air services agreements: Many airlines have access to fly the corridor resulting in high competition and frequencies.
Excellent hub connectivity: Delhi and Abu Dhabi provide onward connections from the United Arab Emirates to Europe, Africa, the rest of Asia and North America, which makes many passengers take the route to transit.
Tourism and education: Students, medical travelers and holidaymakers ensure demand throughout the year.
The outcome is frequent scheduling, competitive prices and plenty of choice, whether you want a nonstop flight or a budget-friendly connection.
Final Thoughts
With frequent nonstop flights, a healthy mix of full-service and low-cost airlines and plenty of connecting options, travelling between Abu Dhabi and Delhi is easy and flexible. Book early for peak dates, compare the total cost, keep your documents ready and pick the option, nonstop or connecting, that suits your budget and schedule. Ready to fly? Compare current fares today and secure your Abu Dhabi to Delhi flight before prices rise.
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FAQ’s
Which airlines operate nonstop flights from Abu Dhabi to Delhi?
This particular route has non-stop connectivity provided by Air India, Air India Express, Indigo and Etihad Airways, and flights are scheduled throughout the day.
How long is the flight from Abu Dhabi to Delhi?
The direct flight duration is between 3 hours 30 minutes and 3 hours 50 minutes. The return journey time from Delhi will be slightly more, around 3 hours 50 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes.
How much does an Abu Dhabi to Delhi flight ticket cost?
The price of one-way tickets generally ranges between AED 450 and 1,100 (INR 10,000 and 25,000). Prices increase during peak seasons.
When is the best time to book Abu Dhabi to Delhi flights?
Book 3 to 8 weeks ahead for best prices, or 2 to 4 Months ahead during peak seasons such as Diwali, Eid and New Year.
What documents do I need to travel from Abu Dhabi to Delhi?
Indian citizens should have a valid passport and UAE Residence Visa or Emirates ID, while foreign nationals require a valid Indian visa or e-Visa and OCI holders should possess their OCI cards.
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