Emirates will introduce its Airbus A380 on the Delhi–Dubai route from late October 2026, adding a larger four-class aircraft and bringing Premium Economy to all of the airline’s daily services between the two cities.
The airline’s official announcement says the A380 will operate on flights EK512/513 from 25 October. Emirates’ India booking page separately promotes A380 travel from Delhi starting 26 October, so passengers booking the first days of the changeover should check the aircraft type shown during booking and again before departure.
Delhi will become Emirates’ third A380 destination in India after Mumbai and Bengaluru. The A380 service will run alongside retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft on Emirates’ other three daily Delhi flights, also in a four-class layout with Premium Economy.
Premium Economy expands to six Indian cities
By the end of October, Emirates says Premium Economy will be available from six Indian cities: Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Kochi. The rollout gives India-based travellers, inbound visitors and passengers connecting through Dubai more options between standard Economy and Business Class on selected routes.
The planned weekly Premium Economy availability is:
- Delhi: four daily services
- Kolkata: 12 weekly flights
- Mumbai: 22 weekly flights
- Ahmedabad: nine weekly flights
- Bengaluru: seven weekly flights
- Kochi: two weekly flights
Kolkata route gets Emirates A350
Emirates will also change aircraft on its daily Kolkata–Dubai EK570/571 service from 25 October, replacing the current Boeing 777 with the Airbus A350. The A350 will include the airline’s Premium Economy cabin.
Together with five weekly retrofitted Boeing 777 flights on EK572/573, Premium Economy is expected to be available on all 12 weekly Emirates flights between Kolkata and Dubai.
Planning notes for travellers
The changes may affect seat choice, cabin availability and connection planning via Dubai rather than entry rules for India. Travellers using Delhi or Kolkata as part of a long-haul itinerary should compare flight numbers carefully, because cabin products can vary by aircraft and by date during schedule transitions.
As with any aircraft rollout, operational substitutions remain possible. Passengers booking specifically for the A380, A350 or Premium Economy cabin should verify the aircraft and seat map on Emirates’ booking engine, in Manage Your Booking and close to departure.
Primary sources
Frequently Asked Questions
Emirates’ official media release says the A380 will operate on Delhi–Dubai flights EK512/513 from 25 October 2026. Its India booking page advertises A380 travel from Delhi starting 26 October, so passengers on the first days should confirm the aircraft shown on their booking.
Emirates says Premium Economy will be offered from Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Kochi by the end of October 2026.
From 25 October 2026, Emirates plans to operate its daily Kolkata–Dubai EK570/571 service with an Airbus A350, adding Premium Economy on that flight. Combined with five weekly retrofitted Boeing 777 services, Premium Economy should be available on all 12 weekly Kolkata–Dubai flights.
No. The announcement concerns Emirates aircraft and cabin products, not immigration rules. Travellers should still check India visa and arrival requirements separately before flying.
