Emirates SkyCargo is set to reinforce its four-decade presence in India with the introduction of two additional weekly freighters, expanding capacity on key trade corridors. The cargo division of the world’s largest international airline will position one of the two additional weekly freighters in Mumbai and the other in Ahmedabad, further strengthening links between Indian businesses and their global partners. At present, Emirates operates three weekly freighters to India, alongside bellyhold capacity across 167 passenger services connecting nine gateways. Across this network, the carrier records an average uplift of 3,000 tonnes weekly.
The new freighter to Mumbai is scheduled to commence operations on 4 March 2026, linking Dubai, Singapore and India. Meanwhile, the Ahmedabad addition will operate as a direct and dedicated freighter, also beginning in March. With the deployment of the two additional weekly freighters, the airline expects to transport high-value and time-sensitive cargo, including pharmaceuticals, fresh fruits, vegetables and other perishables, as well as personal electronic devices. The expansion reflects sustained demand across these segments and underlines the airline’s commitment to the Indian market.
Beyond the two additional weekly freighters assigned to India, Emirates SkyCargo will further scale its regional presence by introducing a dedicated weekly freighter to Dhaka, Bangladesh, starting in April 2026. This move broadens the airline’s freighter network and underscores growing demand across South Asia. Complementing its air operations, the carrier has established an extensive domestic trucking network throughout India to access offline destinations. In 2025 alone, more than 1,000 Emirates SkyCargo trucks moved nearly 5,500 tonnes of cargo nationwide, handling automotive and aircraft spare parts, clothing and textiles, machinery, tools, spices and even a satellite. Temperature-controlled reefer trucks were also deployed to ensure the safe transport of sensitive pharmaceuticals and medical equipment.
As the third anniversary of the UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) approaches, trade volumes between the two countries continue to accelerate, with India’s exports to the UAE outpacing overall export growth. Emirates SkyCargo supports this momentum, moving goods weekly including 600 tonnes of pharmaceuticals, 500 tonnes of perishables, substantial volumes of garments, textiles and clothing, and a rising share of personal electronics such as mobile phones, laptops and tablets. Through the addition of two additional weekly freighters and related network enhancements, the airline continues to deepen its role in facilitating bilateral trade flows.
