Travellers flying between Iran and the UAE will soon have another option, with direct flights between Tehran and Dubai set to resume on Monday after months of disruption.

The reopening of the route marks a significant step towards restoring air connectivity between the two countries, following a period of conflict that led to widespread flight suspensions across the region.

According to Iranian state media, the necessary arrangements have been completed to restart services from Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport to Dubai.

Tickets already on sale

Bookings for the resumed service are already available, with Iranian carrier Sepehran Airlines offering tickets for its Monday morning flight departing Tehran at 10:40am local time and arriving in Dubai later that day.

The resumed route is expected to benefit thousands of travellers, including business passengers, tourists and members of the Iranian community living in the UAE.

Flights return as regional tensions ease

The restart comes as the security situation in the region shows signs of improvement.

A ceasefire has largely held, while diplomatic efforts between the US and Iran are continuing as both sides work towards a longer-term agreement aimed at reducing tensions.

The improving security outlook has prompted several airlines to gradually restore services across the Middle East, although some carriers continue to adjust schedules as the situation evolves.

More travel options for UAE passengers

The return of the Tehran-Dubai service is expected to make travel easier for passengers commuting between the two countries, particularly during the busy summer travel season.

More airlines are likely to continue reviewing and restoring suspended routes as regional stability improves and demand for travel returns.

India will increase passport issuance and renewal fees by as much as 75% from 1 July, according to amendments to the Passport Rules notified by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

The revision, announced through a gazette notification issued on 20 June, marks the first major increase in passport fees since 2012. The move comes a day after the Indian government clarified that a passport is primarily a travel document and should not be treated as proof of citizenship.

How much will a new passport cost?

Under the revised rates, a standard 36-page passport will cost Rs2,500 under the normal scheme, up from Rs1,500. Applications under the Tatkaal (expedited) scheme will rise from Rs3,500 to Rs5,000.

A 60-page passport will now cost Rs3,500 under the normal process and Rs6,000 under Tatkaal, compared with the current Rs2,000 and Rs4,000 respectively.

For Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), fees will also increase significantly, with a standard 36-page passport rising from $75 to $125 and a 60-page passport from $100 to $175.

Higher charges for lost or damaged passports

Applicants seeking a replacement for a lost or damaged 36-page passport will have to pay Rs5,000 under the normal scheme and Rs7,500 under Tatkaal, up from Rs3,000 and Rs5,000 respectively.

For a 60-page passport, the fee will rise to Rs6,000 under the normal process and Rs8,500 under Tatkaal.

What about children’s passports?

Passport fees for minors have also been revised upward.

For applicants below 18 years of age, a fresh 36-page passport will now cost Rs1,750 under the normal scheme and Rs4,250 under Tatkaal, compared with the current rates of Rs1,000 and Rs3,000.

The cost of replacing a lost or damaged passport for minors has also increased, with fees now set at Rs4,250 under the normal scheme and Rs6,750 under Tatkaal.

Changes to other passport-related services

The government has also increased charges for services such as Police Clearance Certificates (PCCs), Surrender Certificates, Global Entry Programme verification and other passport-related certificates.

The fee for these services will now be Rs750 under the normal scheme. For NRIs, the charge will be $40.

Any relief for applicants?

The revised framework introduces a 10% discount on fresh passport applications for children up to eight years of age and senior citizens aged above 60.

However, the concession will apply only to new passport applications and not to passport reissues.

Why does it matter?

The increase represents the first passport fee revision in 14 years and will affect millions of applicants in India and abroad. With fees rising across nearly all categories, the cost of obtaining or renewing a passport is set to become significantly higher from July 1.

Filipinos in the UAE who need to renew or apply for a passport will soon have to follow a different process.

The Philippine Passport Renewal Centres (PaRC) operated by VFS Global in Dubai and Abu Dhabi will stop accepting applications after June 30, 2026. From July 1 onwards, all passport applications and renewals will be handled directly by the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai.

The announcement was made by the Philippine missions in the UAE through their official social media channels.

What changes from July 1?

For nearly seven years, many Filipinos in the UAE have been able to complete passport renewals through VFS-operated Passport Renewal Centres, offering a convenient alternative to visiting diplomatic missions.

However, beginning July 1, applicants will once again need to book and process their passport services directly through the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the Consulate General in Dubai.

The Philippine missions did not provide a reason for the closure of the VFS passport renewal centres.

What happens to unclaimed passports?

Applicants who completed their passport renewal process through the VFS centres on or before June 30 do not need to worry.

According to the advisory, all passports processed through the VFS Passport Renewal Centres, including those that have not yet been collected, will be available for pickup from the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai starting July 1.

Officials have also urged applicants with ready passports awaiting collection to claim them as soon as possible.

Need assistance?

Filipinos with passport-related questions can contact the Philippine missions through the following channels:

Abu Dhabi

Phone: +971 50 813 7836

Dubai and Northern Emirates

Phone: +971 4 220 7800

Email

• abudhabipe.passport@dfa.gov.ph
• passport.releasing@pcgdubai.ae

Applicants are encouraged to check directly with the embassy or consulate for the latest appointment and processing requirements before planning their visit.