Emirates brings A380 to Delhi and extends Premium Economy network across India
Kolkata to welcome next-generation A350 with upgraded cabin experience
DUBAI – Emirates is set to strengthen its presence in India by introducing its flagship Airbus A380 on the Dubai-Delhi route from 25 October, while significantly expanding the availability of its Premium Economy cabin across the country.
It will make the Indian capital city the airline's third Indian destination to receive scheduled A380 services, joining Mumbai and Bengaluru. It also forms part of a wider investment in upgraded aircraft, enhanced onboard products and improved customer services across one of Emirates' largest international markets.
The world's largest international airline said the latest expansion reflects growing demand for travel between India and Dubai, while reinforcing its long-standing commitment to the Indian market through continued investment in both its products and customer experience.
Dubai-Delhi flights
From 25 October, Emirates' flagship A380 will operate on flights EK512 and EK513 between Dubai and Delhi in a four-class configuration. The deployment complements the airline's retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft, which already serve the route on three other daily services in a four-class layout featuring Premium Economy.
With the addition of the A380, Premium Economy will now be available on every Emirates flight between Dubai and Delhi. Passengers travelling on the route will have access to four cabin classes across all daily services, with Premium Economy offered on the A380-operated EK513 as well as Boeing 777-operated flights EK511, EK515 and EK517.
The airline's Premium Economy cabin features cream leather seats with extra legroom and greater recline, alongside upgraded dining served on chinaware and an expanded range of onboard amenities designed to enhance passenger comfort.
Adnan Kazim, Emirates' Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, said the airline's continued rollout of its latest products demonstrates its long-standing commitment to India.
He said the introduction of A380 services to Delhi reflects strong travel demand and thanked the authorities for supporting the expansion, while adding that further service enhancements are planned as part of Emirates' partnership with India.
Emirates in India
The expansion also includes Kolkata, where Emirates will introduce its next-generation Airbus A350 on the daily EK570 and EK571 services from 25 October. The route is currently served by a Boeing 777.
The A350 will feature Emirates' signature Premium Economy cabin, giving customers access to the upgraded product on the route for the first time. Together with the airline's five weekly flights EK572 and EK573, operated by retrofitted four-class Boeing 777 aircraft, Premium Economy will be available on all 12 weekly flights between Kolkata and Dubai.
By the end of October, Emirates will offer Premium Economy on services to six destinations across India: Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Kochi.
Customers will be able to book Premium Economy seats on four daily flights from Delhi, 22 weekly services from Mumbai, 12 weekly flights from Kolkata, nine weekly services from Ahmedabad, seven weekly flights from Bengaluru and two weekly flights from Kochi.
The upgraded cabins will be available across a mixed fleet comprising Airbus A380s, Airbus A350s and retrofitted four-class Boeing 777 aircraft.
Emirates currently serves nine destinations across India: Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Thiruvananthapuram. The airline operates 167 weekly flights connecting India with Dubai, providing onward access to almost 140 destinations across its global network.
Having served the Indian market for more than four decades, Emirates said its services have continued to support connectivity between the two countries by linking travellers, facilitating trade and commerce, and strengthening economic ties through its extensive international network.
Customer experience
Alongside the aircraft upgrades, Emirates is introducing several initiatives aimed at improving the customer experience both on the ground and in the air.
The airline recently opened dedicated retail travel stores in Delhi and Mumbai, allowing customers to explore Emirates' products and services with personalised assistance from trained staff. Similar stores are planned for Hyderabad and Bengaluru, while a dedicated call centre will also be established in Mumbai.
On board, travellers flying from any of Emirates' nine Indian gateways can enjoy regionally inspired menus created by award-winning chefs, showcasing the diversity of Indian cuisine while catering to a variety of dietary requirements and tastes.
Cabin crew operating Indian routes speak multiple languages, including Hindi and selected regional languages, helping provide a more personalised travel experience for passengers.
The airline's inflight entertainment system also offers more than 6,500 channels, including Bollywood films in Hindi and programming in Tamil, Malayalam, Gujarati, Kannada and other regional languages.