Emirates has completed 40 years of operations in India, marking a major milestone in its journey of connecting India to the world. Since its first flight on October 25, 1985, the Dubai-based carrier has grown from a single route into one of India’s most significant international airlines, flying over 92 million passengers and linking nine Indian cities to six continents.

Over the years, Emirates has played a crucial role in boosting India’s tourism, business, and trade ecosystem. From leisure travellers exploring new destinations to exporters shipping goods globally, the airline has become an essential part of India’s international growth story.

Building a Network of Trust and Reach

Emirates’ commitment to India is reflected in the scale of its operations. The airline now operates 167 weekly flights from Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Thiruvananthapuram, offering unparalleled connectivity to destinations across the Middle East, Europe, North America, Africa, and Asia.

Over the past four decades, the airline has carried:

  • 24 million passengers between Dubai and Mumbai, with 95,000 flights, and

  • 15 million passengers between Dubai and Delhi, on 60,000 flights.

These numbers reflect Emirates’ unmatched consistency and contribution to India’s aviation growth. Beyond transportation, these connections have strengthened economic, social, and cultural exchanges, positioning India as a vital global hub.

A Legacy of Partnership

Speaking on the occasion, Mohammad Sarhan, Vice President – India & Nepal at Emirates, said:

“Celebrating 40 years of service to India is a proud milestone for us. India has been a cornerstone of our global operations, and we are deeply grateful for the trust Indian travellers have placed in us. Our focus remains on providing seamless connectivity and a world-class flying experience.”

The long-standing partnership between Emirates and India has thrived on mutual growth, trust, and shared ambition. From expanding routes to improving services tailored to Indian travellers, the relationship reflects Emirates’ commitment to nurturing long-term connections.

Dubai: India’s Gateway to the World

Dubai has evolved into a global gateway for Indian travellers, connecting them to long-haul destinations across North America, Europe, and beyond. From Mumbai, top destinations include New York, San Francisco, Toronto, London, Paris, and Manchester, while travellers from Delhi frequently connect to Seattle, Washington D.C., Montreal, and Los Angeles.

Emirates has also built a deep emotional connection with Indian passengers through its regional in-flight cuisine, multilingual entertainment, and sports content, including extensive cricket coverage all tailored to reflect India’s cultural diversity.

Fueling Trade Through Emirates SkyCargo

Beyond passenger travel, Emirates SkyCargo has been instrumental in facilitating India’s exports and trade growth. Since 2020, the airline has transported over 700,000 tonnes of cargo between India and its global network.

From pharmaceuticals and perishables to electronics and industrial goods, Emirates’ air freight service has supported thousands of Indian businesses in reaching global markets swiftly and efficiently.

Sarhan emphasized that cargo operations have become “the backbone of India’s global trade logistics, driving growth, job creation, and export excellence.”

Investing in the Indian Market

Emirates’ investments in India go far beyond fleet expansion. The airline continues to innovate with its Premium Economy product rollout in key cities and the addition of the A350 aircraft on routes to Ahmedabad and Mumbai.

Milestone introductions such as the A380 to Mumbai in 2014 and Bengaluru in 2022 have positioned Emirates as a leader in luxury aviation for Indian travellers. These advancements highlight the airline’s commitment to service innovation and its role in making India a key aviation market within its global strategy.

A Commitment to the Future

As Emirates celebrates this historic milestone, it remains focused on expanding connectivity, modernizing its fleet, and enhancing customer experience. The airline continues to explore new routes, partnerships, and technology-driven services to meet India’s evolving travel demands.

With a young fleet of wide-body aircraft and a network spanning six continents, Emirates plans to deepen its engagement with India — promoting tourism, business exchange, and global collaboration.

Connecting Generations, Building Futures

What began as a single flight in 1985 has now become a symbol of global connection. Emirates’ 40-year journey in India represents more than aviation success it’s a story of shared growth, opportunity, and trust between two nations.

As the airline looks ahead, it pledges to continue its legacy of uniting people, cultures, and economies, ensuring that India remains at the heart of its global expansion strategy.

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