Is it possible to self transfer from arrivals to departures in Terminal 1 of Dubai Airport? (DXB)

While in normal circumstances this shouldn't be a problem at all, remember that in case of disruption you are on your own.

You will need to:

• deplane
• get to passport control, queue, get through
• wait for your bags
• go through customs
• get to departures and to the check-in area for your second flight
• queue and check in before the check-in deadline (75 minutes before departure).
• then go through security and to your gate and board before the door closes (25 minutes before departure)

So in reality the critical path is not 4 hours but 2h45 to check-in.

I also haven't counted any Covid-related formalities, I don't know what they are and where they take place in Dubai. I'm also assuming you are allowed to enter Dubai (don't need a visa or have one if needed).

Still plenty of time if your incoming flight is on time and everything goes well, but if your flight is late, or there are any issues at passport control, baggage claim, customs, or Covid-related checks, it can quickly become quite tight.

Remember that if you miss the check-in deadline, the airline will consider you a *no-show. In most cases (this seems to be the case for all Indigo fares) this will mean your ticket is cancelled (sometimes further flights on the same ticket are cancelled too), and you may need to book and pay for a new ticket on the next flight, at the last minute (flights may be fully booked, or more likely they are going to be much more expensive). In the worst case you may have to stay overnight. All of this is out of your pocket (unless you have travel insurance which specifically covers this case).

Also remember that schedules can change (especially these days) and Indigo may move your flight to an earlier time (or BA to a later time), in which case you won't have much recourse if the other flight is not refundable or at least changeable (there will probably be fees/penalties attached, and they will usually re-bill at the current price of the flight, not the time you booked initially).

Self-connections may be cheaper, but they are risky. Do it only if you are prepared to handle the consequences.

According to the map at https://www.dubaiairports.ae/while-youre-here/map?facility=5&level=1&poi=, the Departures area is just next to the Arrivals area in Terminal 1, so you should have enought time (walking distance should be around 300 - 400 metres.