Quick answer: Mumbai is the cheapest Indian city to fly to from Dubai, averaging about AED 1,274 return over the past 12 months, and Trivandrum the most expensive at about AED 1,607. February was the cheapest month on seven of the eight routes we track (Delhi was cheapest in September). Booking 16 to 26 weeks ahead gave the lowest fares, depending on the city.
Table of Contents
Short answers
- Cheapest city: Mumbai, about AED 1,274 return.
- Cheapest month: February for most cities; September for Delhi.
- Most expensive months: July and December.
- When to book: about 16 weeks ahead for Delhi and Kochi, up to 26 weeks for Chennai and Trivandrum.
- Sharjah or Dubai: Sharjah averaged less on six of the eight routes; Dubai was cheaper for Mumbai and Kochi.
- Time difference: India is 1 hour 30 minutes ahead of the UAE.
Dubai to India fares by city
| City | Average return from Dubai (AED) | From Sharjah (AED) | Cheapest month | Most expensive month | Book ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mumbai | 1,274 | 1,353 | February | December | 18 weeks |
| Delhi | 1,359 | 1,282 | September | December | 16 weeks |
| Hyderabad | 1,451 | 1,318 | February | July | 24 weeks |
| Chennai | 1,465 | 1,434 | February | July | 26 weeks |
| Kochi | 1,538 | 1,558 | February | July | 16 weeks |
| Bangalore | 1,539 | 1,467 | February | December | 17 weeks |
| Calicut | 1,583 | 1,563 | February | July | 25 weeks |
| Trivandrum | 1,607 | 1,557 | February | July | 26 weeks |
Each city name opens a full guide with the cheapest day to fly, direct airlines, flight times, one stop options and festival booking dates.
What the numbers tell you
- More seats, lower fares. Mumbai and Delhi have the most direct flights from Dubai and the lowest averages. Bangalore, Chennai and Trivandrum have far fewer seats and cost more.
- South India needs earlier booking. Chennai, Trivandrum, Calicut and Hyderabad fares were lowest 24 to 26 weeks ahead, against 16 to 18 weeks for Delhi, Kochi and Mumbai.
- Kerala summers are the most expensive trips. Calicut averaged about AED 2,347 return in July against about AED 973 in February.
- Check Sharjah, especially for the south. Hyderabad was about AED 133 cheaper from Sharjah, and Trivandrum has more direct flights from Sharjah than from Dubai.
- Delhi winters need a buffer. Morning fog in December and January can delay early arrivals.
Festival booking dates for 2027
| Festival | Date | Book by (from Dubai) |
|---|---|---|
| Pongal and Sankranti | 14 and 15 January | now |
| Holi | 22 March | end of November 2026 |
| Ugadi | 7 April | mid December 2026 |
| Vishu and Tamil New Year | 14 and 15 April | now |
| Eid Al Adha (Kerala) | around 16 or 17 May | end of November 2026 for Calicut |
| Ganesh Chaturthi | 4 September | early May 2027 for Mumbai |
| Onam (Thiruvonam) | 12 September | late March 2027 for Calicut |
| Diwali | 29 October | late April to early July 2027, by city |
Baggage and customs
Low fares on Indian routes often exclude checked baggage, and adding a bag later can cost from under AED 20 to over AED 350 depending on the airline. Always compare fares with baggage included. For the gold jewellery limits under the India Baggage Rules 2026, see our Dubai to Kochi guide.
Paying monthly for your India ticket
Any of these tickets can be split into four Tabby payments, paid with Tamara, or spread over 3, 6, 9 or 12 months on a UAE credit card from Mashreq, ADCB, RAKBANK, HSBC, FAB or Emirates NBD. UAE residents only need to share a phone number for the payment link. Ask for a Dubai to India quote on WhatsApp. Our office WhatsApp, +971 4 220 2133, answers 24 hours a day.
Questions travellers ask us about Dubai to India flights
Which Indian city is cheapest to fly to from Dubai?
Mumbai, averaging about AED 1,274 return over the past 12 months, followed by Delhi at about AED 1,359.
Which month is cheapest for Dubai to India flights?
February on most routes. Delhi was the exception, cheapest in September.
Is it cheaper to fly to India from Sharjah?
On six of the eight routes we track, yes. Mumbai and Kochi were cheaper from Dubai.
How far ahead should I book a flight to India from Dubai?
Between about 16 and 26 weeks, depending on the city. South Indian routes need the earliest booking.
Which is the most expensive month to fly to India?
July for most South Indian and Kerala routes, December for Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore.
Can I pay for a Dubai to India ticket in installments?
Yes. UAE residents can use Tabby, Tamara or a 3 to 12 month credit card plan. We only need your phone number.
More routes: Dubai to Pakistan flights, Jeddah, Kathmandu, Dhaka, Colombo, Manila.
Fare data from KAYAK, checked 11 and 12 November 2026. See all airlines you can pay for monthly.
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