Direct flights between Chandigarh and Sharjah are set to return after a suspension that began in 2023. Air India Express is scheduled to resume nonstop services between Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport and Sharjah from October 26, 2026, according to The Tribune. The route has been added to the airline’s winter schedule and will operate four days a week.
The service will give travelers from Chandigarh and the surrounding region another direct connection to the UAE. Once operations begin, Sharjah will join Dubai and Abu Dhabi on the list of international flights from Chandigarh.
When Will Chandigarh-Sharjah Flights Resume?
Air India Express will start Chandigarh-Sharjah flight services from the 26th of October 2026. Flights will operate four times a week on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. The route was operational until 2023, when it was suspended. Its return means travelers will once again have a direct flight from Chandigarh to Sharjah after nearly three years
Wondering if cheaper domestic fares could be coming? Air India is considering low-cost ‘no meals’ tickets on domestic flights.
What Are The Chandigarh-Sharjah Flight Timings?
The outbound service will operate as IX 453, departing Chandigarh at 1:50 PM and arriving in Sharjah at 4:50 PM. The reported nonstop journey time is four hours and 30 minutes. The return flight, IX 454, will leave Sharjah at 5:50 PM and arrive in Chandigarh at 11:05 PM. Its reported journey time is three hours and 45 minutes. Travelers should keep the time difference between India and the UAE in mind when reading the schedule.
How Much Will Chandigarh-Sharjah Flights Cost?
One-way fares for the Chandigarh-to-Sharjah sector are reported to start at approximately INR 17,400 and INR 17,820. Actual ticket prices can vary depending on the travel date and availability, so passengers will need to check the fare available when making their booking.
Looking for more flexibility when booking international flights? Indian travelers can now book Emirates flights with EMI payment options.
Why Is The Chandigarh-Sharjah Route Important?
Sharjah was the destination of the first international flight from Chandigarh airport after the airport became operational in September 2015. The service was eventually discontinued in October 2023. Its return will also increase the number of international routes from Chandigarh airport to three. The other two mentioned in the supplied material are Dubai and Abu Dhabi, both operated by IndiGo, while Air India Express will operate the Sharjah service.
The reports also highlight the importance of Sharjah for travelers from Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh, including workers, traders, and families with connections to the UAE. A direct flight gives passengers another option without first traveling to airports such as Delhi or Amritsar.
Flying with Air India from Visakhapatnam? Here’s what to know as Air India shifts Visakhapatnam flights to the newly opened Bhogapuram Airport in Andhra Pradesh.
What Is The Current Status Of The New Service?
The supplied reports differ slightly in how firmly they describe the service. The Times of India report says airport authorities had yet to receive formal communication from the airline and described the October 26 start as proposed. The Tribune, updated on September 15, reports that Air India Express has placed the route in its winter schedule beginning October 26. Passengers planning to use the service should check the airline’s booking schedule and the latest flight information before finalizing their travel plans.
Looking for more comfort while traveling? Here are the best travel pillows to buy for comfortable flights, road trips, and long journeys.
Summing Up
Air India Express is scheduled to bring back direct Chandigarh-Sharjah connectivity from October 26, 2026, with four weekly flights on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The restored route will give travelers from Chandigarh and neighboring regions another direct option to reach the UAE, with reported one-way fares starting at around INR 17,820.
