Emirates has upgraded its service between London — sorry — Kolkata and Dubai by deploying an Airbus A350 and raising the weekly frequency from 11 to 12, the Airports Authority of India and Indian media reported on Sunday 25 October 2026. The change was celebrated at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (Kolkata, CCU) with a ceremonial water-cannon salute.
Route details
| carrier | origin | destination | start date | weekly frequency | aircraft |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emirates | Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (Kolkata, CCU) | Dubai International Airport (DXB) | 25 October 2026 (ceremony held) | 12 | Airbus A350 |
Kolkata Airport Director Vikram Singh welcomed the move, saying the A350's arrival and the extra weekly rotation were evidence of expanding demand for international travel from eastern India. His comments were published by local outlets alongside photos of the water-cannon reception.
“the introduction of the Airbus A350 and the additional flight frequency reflected the growing demand for international air travel.” — Vikram Singh, Kolkata Airport Director
Network context
Indian press and business broadcasters noted the deployment forms part of Emirates' broader roll-out of the A350 across its network. Reports said the carrier will also put the type on its Dubai–Mauritius daily service from 1 November, replacing a Boeing 777 on that sector.
- The aircraft type swapped onto Kolkata was not specified by the reporting agencies.
- Airports Authority of India announced the frequency and equipment change on 25 October 2026.
- Emirates has been progressively using A350s on a range of long- and medium-haul sectors.
Airport and industry commentary framed the change as a response to rising passenger flows in eastern India and to strengthen international connectivity via Dubai, a major transfer hub. The A350 will offer Emirates' product on the route as the airline continues to match equipment to demand across its network.
No commercial schedule details beyond the weekly frequency increase and the ceremonial first operation were published by the Airports Authority of India or the outlets reporting the change.
