Emirates SkyCargo Expands India Network with Two Additional Weekly Freighters
Emirates SkyCargo is expanding its operations in India by deploying two additional weekly freighter services-one to Mumbai and another to Ahmedabad, further increasing cargo capacity between India and its global network.
The cargo division currently operates three weekly freighters to India, including one to Mumbai and two to Ahmedabad, alongside bellyhold capacity on 167 passenger flights serving nine Indian gateways. With the addition of the new services, Emirates SkyCargo will increase its average weekly uplift from India to around 3,000 tonnes.
The new freighter to Mumbai will begin operations on 4 March 2026, operating on a Dubai–Singapore–Mumbai rotation. The Ahmedabad service, launching in March, will operate as a direct and dedicated freighter connection. Both aircraft are expected to carry key commodities including pharmaceuticals, fresh fruits and vegetables, other perishable goods, and personal electronic devices.
In addition, the airline will introduce a dedicated weekly freighter to Dhaka, Bangladesh, from April 2026, further strengthening cargo connectivity across South Asia.
Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President, Emirates SkyCargo, said the additional services reflect the continued growth of India’s trade corridors and the airline’s long-term engagement with the market. He noted that India remains a significant exporter of pharmaceuticals, perishables, manufacturing goods and e-commerce shipments, driving steady demand for reliable cargo capacity.
As the UAE–India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) approaches its third anniversary, trade volumes between the two countries continue to grow. Emirates SkyCargo currently transports around 600 tonnes of pharmaceuticals and 500 tonnes of perishables from India each week, along with garments, textiles, and consumer electronics such as mobile phones and laptops.
Beyond air capacity, the airline has developed a nationwide trucking network to connect offline cities to its cargo hubs. In 2025, more than 1,000 Emirates SkyCargo trucks moved nearly 5,500 tonnes of cargo across India, including automotive parts, aircraft components, machinery, textiles, spices and specialised equipment. Temperature-controlled vehicles are also used to handle pharmaceuticals and medical shipments.
The airline recently added Coimbatore and Goa to its road feeder network, providing exporters in these cities with access to international markets through Emirates’ global system. Coimbatore, in particular, supports a large base of small and medium enterprises across engineering, textiles and automotive manufacturing.
Since launching cargo services to Mumbai and Delhi in 1985, Emirates SkyCargo has steadily expanded its presence in India. It now serves nine cities: Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Thiruvananthapuram.
The airline also participated in Air Cargo India this week, engaging in industry discussions focused on developments within India’s logistics sector. During the event, Emirates SkyCargo was recognised at the STAT Times International Awards for Excellence in Air Cargo.
With the addition of new freighter services and expanded ground connectivity, Emirates SkyCargo continues to strengthen its role in supporting India’s export and trade ecosystem.
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