Emirates has restored 96% of its pre-conflict flight network and is operating services to 144 destinations worldwide (Img: Pinterest)
New Delhi: Emirates has restored 96% of its pre conflict flight network while passenger traffic continues to recover gradually with corporate travel remaining a key challenge. The Dubai based airline is operating flights to 144 destinations globally compared with approximately 150 before the conflict began on February 28.
Essa Sulaiman Ahmad, Emirates’ senior vice-president for West Asia and the Indian Ocean said passenger demand was improving as travellers regained confidence in the airline’s operations. However, corporate bookings have taken longer to recover because of company travel advisories and employee insurance restrictions.
During the initial days of the disruption, Emirates introduced greater flexibility in bookings to help passengers manage cancellations and changes to travel plans. Ahmad said he also contacted travel trade partners during the first five to six days to understand their concerns and reassure them about the airline’s operations.
According to Ahmad, corporate travellers were among the last passenger segments to return, as companies continued to assess travel risks and insurance related restrictions. Despite these challenges, passenger loads have been improving as confidence in the airline gradually returns.
Emirates will deploy its Airbus A380 on the Delhi route from October 25, strengthening its premium offering in one of its most important markets.
The airline will continue operating four daily flights to Delhi. One service will feature the A380 while the remaining three will be operated by retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft.
Delhi will become Emirates’ third A380 destination in India, following Mumbai and Bengaluru. Ahmad said the decision reflects the strong demand and maturity of the Indian aviation market.
Emirates has carried more than 92 million Indian customers into and out of India over the past 41 years, underlining the country's importance to the airline.
The airline will introduce premium economy across all four daily Delhi services. The Boeing 777 aircraft will also feature upgraded interiors, offering first class, business class, premium economy and economy cabins.
The addition of premium economy will reduce the number of economy-class seats on upgraded aircraft, although overall capacity is expected to remain broadly comparable.
Emirates is also enhancing its premium economy experience with features such as an electric divider, wireless charging and a cocktail table.
The airline has completed retrofits on around 104 aircraft under its programme covering 219 aircraft. The initiative includes upgraded interiors across its A380 and Boeing 777 fleets.
Emirates operates 167 weekly flights across nine Indian cities, including 28 weekly flights to Delhi.
Ahmad said demand from India remained strong but any increase in flight frequencies would depend on government level decisions regarding bilateral air service entitlements.
The airline continues to view India as a major growth market as it expands premium services and strengthens connectivity through Dubai.
