Delhi to Dubai, Bahrain & Saudi Arabia: Cheap Flight Tickets Guide 2026

The Delhi-to-Middle-East flight corridor is one of the busiest in Asia, with dozens of daily nonstops from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) to Dubai (DXB), Bahrain (BAH), and major Saudi cities including Riyadh (RUH), Jeddah (JED), and Dammam (DMM). Heavy competition between Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, Air India, IndiGo, and budget carriers like Air Arabia and flydubai means prices swing dramatically depending on when and how you book. This guide covers everything you need to find cheap flights from Delhi to the Gulf in 2026.

Quick Route Facts

• Delhi to Dubai: 3.5 hours direct, 30+ daily flights. Round-trip economy: ₹18,000 to ₹35,000 ($215 to $420) depending on season.
• Delhi to Bahrain: 4 hours direct, 5-7 daily flights. Round-trip economy: ₹22,000 to ₹40,000 ($265 to $480).
• Delhi to Riyadh: 4.5 hours direct, 8-10 daily flights. Round-trip economy: ₹28,000 to ₹50,000 ($335 to $600).
• Delhi to Jeddah: 5.5 hours direct, 6-8 daily flights. Round-trip economy: ₹30,000 to ₹55,000 ($360 to $660).
• Delhi to Dammam: 4 hours direct, 4-6 daily flights. Round-trip economy: ₹25,000 to ₹45,000 ($300 to $540).

Cheapest Airlines on the Delhi-Gulf Routes

Air India and Air India Express

Air India flies direct from Delhi to Dubai, Bahrain, Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. Air India Express (the budget subsidiary) flies to Dubai and Sharjah at significantly lower fares — often 30 to 40 percent below mainline Air India. Service is basic but the luggage allowance is generous: 25 kg checked + 7 kg carry-on for most fares. Book 6 to 10 weeks ahead for the best prices.

IndiGo

India’s largest low-cost carrier flies direct from Delhi to Dubai, Bahrain, Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. Fares are competitive with Air India Express. Luggage allowance is more restrictive (15 kg checked on the cheapest fare) but the schedule is comprehensive and the airline is reliable. IndiGo is often the cheapest option for last-minute bookings.

Emirates and flydubai

Emirates flies Delhi to Dubai direct with multiple daily flights. Fares are higher than Air India Express and IndiGo but service is premium. flydubai (Emirates’ budget subsidiary) offers cheaper fares with basic service. Both connect through Dubai to the rest of the world — useful if Dubai is not your final destination.

Gulf Air (Bahrain)

Bahrain’s flag carrier flies direct from Delhi to Manama. Often the cheapest option for Delhi-Bahrain route specifically. Connection opportunities onward to Saudi Arabia and the Levant.

Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia)

Saudia flies direct from Delhi to Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. Fares are competitive with Air India. Service includes hot meals even on the cheapest fare. Useful for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims traveling to Jeddah.

Air Arabia and Sharjah Connection

Air Arabia flies Delhi to Sharjah (SHJ), which is 30 minutes from Dubai by taxi. Sharjah flights are often 20 to 30 percent cheaper than direct Delhi-Dubai flights. Add a ₹1,500 ($18) taxi to reach Dubai city center. Total cost can still be lower than booking direct to DXB.

When Is the Cheapest Time to Fly?

• Cheapest months: February, May, September, October. Round-trip fares to Dubai as low as ₹18,000 ($215).
• Most expensive: December 20 to January 5 (winter holidays), Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha (dates vary by Islamic calendar), July to August (school holidays). Round-trip fares can spike to ₹45,000+ ($540+).
• Shoulder season: March to April and November. Reasonable prices, pleasant weather in the Gulf.

Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens

Dubai (UAE)

Indian citizens need a visa to enter the UAE. Tourist visas are available as 30-day single entry or 90-day multiple entry. Apply through Emirates, Etihad, flydubai, or approved travel agencies in India. Visa-on-arrival is available only if you have a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa. Processing time: 3 to 4 working days. Cost: approximately ₹6,500 to ₹9,000 ($80 to $110).

Bahrain

Indian citizens can apply for a Bahrain eVisa online at evisa.gov.bh. Cost: approximately ₹2,500 ($30). Processing time: 3 to 5 working days. Single-entry 14-day visa.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia opened to general tourism in 2019. Indian citizens can apply for an eVisa at visitsaudi.com. Cost: SAR 480 (approximately ₹10,500 or $128). Valid for one year, multiple entries, up to 90 days total stay. Special Umrah visas are also available through approved travel agents — usually cheaper but restricted to pilgrim itineraries.

Booking Tips for Delhi to Gulf Flights

• Book 6 to 10 weeks ahead. This is the sweet spot for the cheapest fares on this corridor.
• Compare Delhi departure (DEL) vs. Mumbai (BOM). Some routes are cheaper from Mumbai — especially to Jeddah.
• Check Sharjah (SHJ) as an alternative destination. Often 25 to 35 percent cheaper than flying to Dubai, with a short taxi ride to reach Dubai city.
• Use flexible date search. Tuesday and Wednesday departures are typically ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 cheaper than Friday and Sunday departures.
• Watch luggage allowances carefully. IndiGo’s cheapest fare includes only 15 kg checked — Air India Express includes 25 kg. The “cheaper” IndiGo fare can be more expensive once you add excess baggage fees.

FAQ — Delhi to Dubai, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia Flights