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

Sharing the development on social media platform X, the Chief Minister said the new non-stop services will strengthen Assam’s links with the global community and further establish Guwahati as a key travel and transit hub connecting India with Southeast Asia and the Gulf region.

With the launch of these new routes, Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport will now have direct international connectivity to four countries — the UAE, Thailand, Singapore, and Bhutan. The Chief Minister also revealed that the state government is working on plans to introduce direct flights between Guwahati and Vietnam in the near future.

The announcement comes shortly after several member states of the European Union updated their travel advisories and eased restrictions for citizens travelling to Assam. Describing the move as encouraging news, Sarma said it reflects growing international confidence in the state's safety, stability, and development.

He noted that following similar relaxations by Australia and Japan, the updated advisories from European countries are expected to significantly boost tourism, business opportunities, and people-to-people exchanges between Assam and Europe.

The Chief Minister also expressed gratitude to Hervé Delphin for his support in facilitating the positive development.

Officials believe the new international flight services, coupled with improving global perceptions of Assam, will provide a major impetus to tourism, trade, and investment while strengthening Guwahati’s role as an important gateway to Southeast Asia and beyond.