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* Close to 31 million passengers carried since launching operations to these four gateways
* Export goods uplifted exceed 110,000 tonnes from the four cities over the past two and a half years alone
In 2026, Emirates, the world's largest international airline, is celebrating a quad of anniversary milestones to four of its Indian gateways. Together, these cities have anchored the airline's presence in India and connected millions of travellers to the world. Kolkata, Thiruvananthapuram and Bengaluru are celebrating 20 years of continuous passenger and cargo operations, and Emirates is marking its silver jubilee in Hyderabad. These milestones reflect the airline's long-standing investment in India's aviation growth and its ongoing contribution to the country's travel and tourism industries.
The airline has operated more than 118,000 flights and carried close to 31 million passengers across the four Indian gateways.
Commenting on the milestone, Mohammad Sarhan, Emirates' VP – India and Nepal, said: “2026 marks an important year for Emirates in India. Over the years, we have progressively grown our presence in Kolkata, Thiruvananthapuram, Bengaluru and Hyderabad which has become important centres for business and trade, tourism and international travel. Emirates is proud to have connected millions of passengers between India and the world over these two decades. We would like to thank the local authorities, airport partners and dedicated teams across these cities for their support in helping make our operations a success, day after day.”
Since day one, we have worked hard to consistently deliver value, flexibility, and comfort for business, leisure travellers, and those visiting friends and family. As we celebrate these milestones, we look forward to innovating and delivering even more “Fly Better” experiences for our Indian customers in the years ahead. The introduction of Premium Economy to six Indian cities, including Kolkata and Bengaluru, is a testament to our focus on delivering exceptional travel experiences and comfort for our customers.”
Hyderabad completes 25 years
Emirates operates 21 weekly flights to and from Hyderabad utilising its Boeing 777 aircraft. Over the 25 years, Emirates has been a key facilitator in strengthening Hyderabad’s global connectivity by carrying more than 11 million passengers on over 42,000 flights since operations began. The top destinations for travellers from the Southern India city beyond Dubai are US, UK and France, while the US, Canada, UK and Saudi Arabia are leading feeder markets.
20 years of connecting Kolkata to the world
In Kolkata, Emirates operates 11 weekly flights, currently operated by the Boeing 777 aircraft. From 25 October, the Airbus A350 aircraft will operate daily on the route, delivering the airline’s latest signature experiences, including Premium Economy cabins, while the Boeing 777 aircraft will operate five times per week. The airline has carried more than five million passengers on over 20,000 flights to and from the city. Beyond Dubai, the UK, US, Netherlands and Switzerland are the top destinations for travellers from Kolkata, while the US, Canada, UK and GCC countries remain key inbound points feeding to the destination.
20 years of operations in Thiruvananthapuram
Emirates operates seven weekly flights to Thiruvananthapuram on its Boeing 777 aircraft, having carried more than 4.6 million passengers on over 19,000 flights since operations began in 2006. Besides its hub city of Dubai, the UK, US, Germany and Canada are top destinations for travellers from Thiruvananthapuram, while the US, Canada and Kuwait remain key feeder markets.
Emirates and Bengaluru’s 20-year partnership
In Bengaluru, Emirates deploys both the Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 on scheduled services totalling 21 per week, having carried more than ten million passengers on over 37,000 flights to and from the city. Travellers from Bengaluru have frequented top destinations such as the US, UK, Germany, France and Switzerland, while the US, UK, Germany, France and Italy remain key feeder markets.
Facilitating trade lanes across the globe
Emirates SkyCargo has been instrumental in supporting India’s export-driven economy by connecting local producers, exporters, and businesses to global markets. Since operations in India began in 1985, Emirates has played an important role in supporting the country's export ecosystem, by connecting businesses, manufacturers and exporters to customers across the Middle East, Europe, the Americas, Africa and beyond with more than 3,000 tonnes of weekly air cargo capacity across nine gateways.
From April 2024 to date, Emirates SkyCargo uplifted more than 13,000 tonnes of exports from Thiruvananthapuram, while from Hyderabad the airline carried more than 31,000 in export tonnage. Similarly exports out of Bengaluru and Kolkata totalled 43,000 and more than 23,000 tonnes, respectively. During the 30-month period, more than 110,000 tonnes were carried from the four gateways, comprising a variety of key commodities such as seafood, vegetables and other perishable items, pharmaceuticals, high-tech electronics, engineering and automotive components, in addition to fashion goods and other commodities. The exports also included seasonal Indian delicacies such as mangoes which, between April and June 2026, totalled around 2,900 tonnes to reach global customers.
Indian flavours and favourites, served above the clouds
The airline has also continued to tailor its inflight experience to Indian travellers, offering one of the richest entertainment libraries in its India network. The airline's ice entertainment system today features 162 Indian movies spanning Bollywood and regional cinema, along with nine Indian TV shows, all available in ten Indian languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Bhojpuri, Bengali, Punjabi, Gujarati and Marathi. Over the past six months, Saiyaara has emerged as the most watched Indian film onboard, while Special Ops has led the way among TV shows.
The onboard dining experience is equally rooted in Indian flavours, with a menu that brings together regional favourites from across the country, from Kathrikai Kootu, Dal and Maacher Curry to Phulkopir Dalna, Rava Masala Dosa and Multigrain Uthappam. Travellers can also indulge in an array of Indian desserts, including Angoori Rasmalai, Rasgulla, Ras Madhuri and Rabri, Kala Jamun and Gulab Jamun, paired with a comforting cup of Masala Chai. Assorted Kachori and Kozhi Saru complement the spread of authentic Indian fare.
In Emirates’ commitment to its Indian customers, the airline regularly celebrates festivals such as Diwali, Holi and Onam with specially curated menus and festive treats on select flights.
About Emirates
Emirates’ 40 years in India have been defined by progressive investment, partnership, and growth. In October 1985, Emirates launched flights from Dubai to Delhi and Mumbai, which formed the base of its initial route network. Since then, Emirates has grown its India operations to serve a total of nine destinations across India – Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Thiruvananthapuram. For more information on Emirates’ current operations, network, travel support, guidance, customer and employee safety, visit www.emirates.com
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