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.

SpiceJet has expanded its winter schedule with the induction of five new leased aircraft, taking the total additions this season to ten. The latest inclusions comprise a reactivated Boeing 737 MAX, three Boeing 737s, and an Airbus A340 that was introduced earlier.

“These inductions mark another significant step in our fleet and network expansion strategy,” said Debojo Maharshi, Chief Business Officer, SpiceJet. “The response to our new flights has been encouraging, and we remain focused on enhancing operations across both domestic and international markets.”

All five newly added aircraft have entered commercial service, increasing capacity across key routes amid growing passenger demand. The airline said it plans to more than double its operational fleet and triple its available seat kilometres (ASKM) by the end of November.

The expansion reflects SpiceJet’s continued efforts to strengthen its route network and provide additional travel options during the peak season, supporting its strategy to scale up operations and improve connectivity across markets.

Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) has announced its Winter Schedule 2025–26, featuring an expanded network that connects the city to 129 destinations, including 60 international and 69 domestic routes. The schedule, effective from 26 October 2025 to 28 March 2026, marks a significant step in strengthening Mumbai’s position as one of India’s premier global aviation gateways.

The new schedule introduces three new international routes, Copenhagen, Denpasar Bali, and Athens, expanding connectivity for both leisure and business travellers. This development also represents an 18 per cent increase in European operations, supported by new frequencies to London Heathrow, Amsterdam, and Paris, enhancing long-haul accessibility from Mumbai.

With enhanced services across the Asia-Pacific and European sectors, the airport expects a steady rise in daily flight movements and overall passenger traffic during the winter season. Among international airlines, Emirates, Etihad, and British Airways remain the leading operators from CSMIA, while IndiGo, Air India, and Akasa Air dominate domestic operations. Collectively, these airlines will account for nearly 75 per cent of total flight movements throughout the winter schedule.

To ensure a smooth festive travel experience, the airport has expanded several technology-driven facilities such as DigiYatra-enabled e-gates, Self-Baggage Drop (SBD), and Self Check-in kiosks, all aimed at reducing queue times and improving passenger flow during peak travel periods including Christmas, New Year, and school holidays.

With this new schedule, Mumbai International Airport Ltd. (MIAL) reaffirms its commitment to operational excellence, world-class infrastructure, and seamless passenger experiences. The expansion reflects the airport’s continuous effort to connect India’s financial capital with more global destinations while delivering efficient, technology-led travel for millions of passengers each year.