Emirates Airline is poised to enhance its connectivity to Indian cities, with its Chairman and CEO, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, expressing enthusiasm for increasing seating capacity. Speaking at the Dubai Airshow 2025, Sheikh Ahmed highlighted the airline’s commitment to expanding its presence in India, a key market for the Dubai-based carrier. Despite not having increased capacity on Indian routes for over a decade, Emirates remains optimistic about future growth opportunities. ‘We are happy to see that the Indians are giving us more seats in India, which will benefit both the Indian economy and our operations,’ he stated. The UAE’s open sky policy and bilateral aviation agreements with India have facilitated robust air travel between the two nations, with the Dubai-India corridor being one of the busiest in the region. Emirates currently operates flights to major Indian cities, including Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Kochi, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Thiruvananthapuram, Kolkata, and Mumbai. The airline’s extensive network, spanning Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, further strengthens its appeal to the Indian diaspora. In a significant move, Emirates recently announced orders for 65 additional Boeing 777-9 aircraft, valued at $38 billion, as part of its aggressive expansion strategy. Sheikh Ahmed emphasized that while India’s decision not to increase seating capacity may limit growth in that region, the airline will continue to explore other global opportunities. ‘The globe is big. If one place restricts us, we will focus on others to carry more passengers,’ he added. Emirates’ expansion plans underscore its commitment to maintaining its position as a leading global carrier.