Emirates has restored 96% of its pre-conflict flight network, while passenger traffic has recovered to 93% of earlier levels, with corporate travel taking longer to rebound, according to Essa Sulaiman Ahmad, the airline’s senior vice-president for West Asia and the Indian Ocean.
The airline currently serves 144 destinations worldwide, compared with approximately 150 before the conflict began on February 28. Although flight operations have largely recovered, uncertainty and travel advisories continue to affect passenger demand, particularly among corporate travellers.
Ahmad said Emirates introduced greater booking flexibility during the disruption to reassure passengers and minimise the impact of cancellations and changes to travel plans. He also personally contacted travel-trade partners during the first five to six days of the conflict to address their concerns and understand their requirements.
He noted that corporate travellers were among the last passenger segments to return, as company travel advisories and restrictions under employee insurance policies continued to influence decisions. However, passenger numbers have been improving as confidence in the airline’s operations returns.
Emirates to Introduce Airbus A380 on Delhi Route
Emirates will introduce its Airbus A380 on the Delhi route from October 25 as part of efforts to upgrade its passenger offering in India.
The airline will continue operating four daily flights to Delhi, with one service switching to the A380 and the remaining three operated by retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft.
Ahmad said the strong demand and maturity of the Indian market supported the deployment of the larger aircraft. Delhi will become Emirates’ third A380 destination in India, following Mumbai and Bengaluru.
The move is also intended to strengthen connectivity through Dubai, which serves as a major hub linking passengers to destinations across the airline’s global network.
Ahmad highlighted India’s importance to Emirates, stating that the airline had carried more than 92 million Indian customers to and from the country over the past 41 years.
Premium Economy Expansion and Aircraft Modernisation
Alongside the A380 introduction, Emirates will offer premium economy on all four daily Delhi services. The three Boeing 777 aircraft operating the other flights will also feature upgraded interiors, with first class, business class, premium economy and economy cabins available across the services.
Ahmad said the addition of premium economy would reduce the number of economy-class seats on upgraded aircraft, although overall seating capacity would remain broadly comparable.
The airline has also enhanced its premium economy product with features including an electric divider, wireless charging and a cocktail table.
As part of its wider refurbishment programme covering 219 aircraft, Emirates has completed retrofits on approximately 104 aircraft. The programme includes 53 Airbus A380s and nearly 60 Boeing 777s fitted with upgraded interiors. New aircraft deliveries are also being configured with the enhanced cabin product.
Emirates Operates 167 Weekly Flights Across India
Emirates currently operates 28 weekly flights to Delhi and 167 weekly flights across nine Indian cities.
Ahmad said the airline continued to see substantial demand for travel to and from India. However, any increase in flight frequencies would depend on government-to-government decisions regarding bilateral air service entitlements.
He added that the airline’s assessments indicated strong demand in the Indian market, with future expansion dependent on the regulatory framework governing international air services.
