Quick answer: Abu Dhabi to Chennai averaged about AED 1,343 return over the past 12 months. February was the cheapest month (about AED 885) and July the most expensive (about AED 1,888). Direct flights take about 4h 05m with Etihad Airways, Air Arabia Abu Dhabi and IndiGo. Dubai to Chennai averaged about AED 1,465.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Average return | About AED 1,343 |
| Typical one way | About AED 485 |
| Cheapest month | February, about AED 885 |
| Most expensive | July (about AED 1,888), May (about AED 1,642) |
| Direct flight time | About 4h 05m |
| Cheapest day to fly | Thursday |
| From Dubai instead | About AED 1,465 return |
Table of Contents
Abu Dhabi or Dubai: which is better for Chennai?
Abu Dhabi is usually cheaper, by about AED 120 on an average return, and its cheapest month is much lower: about AED 885 in February against about AED 1,142 from Dubai. See our Dubai to Chennai flight guide for Dubai fares by month.
Direct airlines from Zayed International
| Airline | Direct flights per week |
|---|---|
| Etihad Airways | About 21 |
| Air Arabia Abu Dhabi | About 9 |
| IndiGo | About 7 |
All flights leave from Terminal A at Zayed International Airport (formerly Abu Dhabi International). Low cost fares on Air Arabia Abu Dhabi, IndiGo, Akasa Air and Air India Express may not include checked bags, so compare the total price, not just the headline fare.
When to book
- Book about 14 weeks ahead, which saved around 21% compared with booking in the last two weeks, when fares averaged 2% above normal.
- Thursday departures were the cheapest on average, and Tuesday the most expensive.
- Avoid July and May if your dates are flexible.
Fly on a Thursday
Thursday departures averaged about 8% below the typical day, while Tuesday was about 7% above. On a family booking that gap adds up quickly.
Getting to Zayed International from Dubai
If you live in Dubai, the RTA E102 bus runs from Al Jafiliya bus station, near Max metro station, to Zayed International Terminal A. The fare is AED 25 on a Nol card and the trip takes about 2 hours with traffic. Top up your Nol card in Dubai, as there are no Nol top up machines at the airport. A taxi or car takes about 1 hour 30 minutes from central Dubai.
Pay monthly for your ticket
If a return comes to AED 1,343, that can be four Tabby payments of about AED 340. UAE residents can also use Tamara or a 3 to 12 month plan on a UAE credit card from Mashreq, ADCB, RAKBANK, HSBC, FAB or Emirates NBD; we only need your phone number to send the link. Get an Abu Dhabi to Chennai quote. Our office WhatsApp, +971 4 220 2133, answers 24 hours a day.
Fares are averages from KAYAK route data for the past 12 months, checked in November 2026. Prices change daily. More Abu Dhabi routes: Delhi, Kochi, Manila, Cairo, Mumbai, Trivandrum, Bangalore, Calicut, Islamabad, Karachi, London. All India routes: UAE to India flights by city.
Abu Dhabi to Chennai FAQs
How long is the flight from Abu Dhabi to Chennai?
About 4 hours direct.
Which airlines fly direct from Abu Dhabi to Chennai?
Etihad Airways (about 21 flights a week), Air Arabia Abu Dhabi (about 9) and IndiGo (about 7).
What is the cheapest month to fly Abu Dhabi to Chennai?
February, at about AED 885 return. July and May cost the most.
Is Abu Dhabi cheaper than Dubai for Chennai?
Usually yes: about AED 1,343 return from Abu Dhabi against about AED 1,465 from Dubai.
Can I pay for an Abu Dhabi to Chennai ticket monthly?
Yes. UAE residents can pay with Tabby, Tamara or a 3 to 12 month credit card plan. We only need your phone number to send the link.
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