Emirates celebrates four remarkable decades of connecting India to the world, marking its enduring partnership with the nation since the launch of its first flight on 25 October 1985. Over the years, the airline has evolved into one of India’s most prominent international carriers, offering seamless connectivity through Dubai and redefining global travel for millions.

In its 40-year journey, Emirates has carried over 24 million passengers between Dubai and Mumbai and 15 million passengers between Dubai and Delhi, operating more than 95,000 and 60,000 flights respectively. Across nine Indian gateways, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Thiruvananthapuram, the airline has flown a total of 92 million passengers, reflecting a shared story of growth, progress, and partnership.

Marking the milestone, Mohammad Sarhan, Vice President – India & Nepal, Emirates, said,

“It is an incredible milestone to complete 40 years of serving India, a market that has been a cornerstone of our global operations. We are humbled by the continued trust that Indian travellers have placed in Emirates over the decades. From the very beginning, our promise has been to deliver world-class service, seamless connectivity, and a superior flying experience.”

He further added,

“India has always been an integral part of Emirates’ journey and success. Over the past four decades, our partnership with India has grown from strength to strength, built on mutual trust, respect, and a shared vision of connecting people and opportunities across the world.”

Strengthening Global Connectivity

For generations of Indian travellers, Dubai has served as a gateway to explore the world. Popular onward destinations from Mumbai and Delhi include New York, San Francisco, London, Paris, Toronto, and other major global cities. Emirates’ “Fly Better” philosophy resonates strongly with Indian passengers through its regionally inspired cuisine, culturally relevant in-flight entertainment in nine Indian languages, and live coverage of major sporting events like cricket and golf.

Supporting India’s Trade and Exports

Beyond passenger services, Emirates SkyCargo has been a key player in strengthening India’s global trade network. Since 2020, it has transported over 700,000 tonnes of exports and imports, including pharmaceuticals, perishables, and other essential commodities, helping Indian businesses access global markets efficiently and reliably.

Charting the Path Ahead

Emirates continues to deepen its commitment to India through strategic investments, enhanced fleet, and service upgrades. The introduction of the A380 aircraft to Mumbai in 2014 and Bengaluru in 2022, the rollout of Premium Economy in major Indian cities, and the deployment of the latest A350 aircraft in Ahmedabad and Mumbai highlight the airline’s forward-looking approach.

As Emirates celebrates 40 years of connecting India to the world, it reaffirms its dedication to being a trusted global connector, linking people, cultures, and opportunities while supporting India’s continued journey of progress and prosperity.