Emirates marks a major milestone as it celebrates 25 years of serving Chennai – one of India’s leading metropolitan hubs and a vital gateway in the airline’s South India network.
Since launching its inaugural flight on 1 September 2000, Emirates has carried more than 10.7 million passengers on more than 38,000 flights between Dubai and Chennai, reinforcing its long standing commitment to the city’s growing travel and trade aspirations.
Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M.K. Stalin, joined Emirates’ celebration to commemorate the milestone. Chennai International Airport also marked the anniversary with a celebratory water cannon salute today, upon the arrival of EK544.
On the occasion, Mohammad Sarhan, Emirates’ VP – India and Nepal said, “We are delighted to celebrate 25 years of service to Chennai and connecting its people to our global network. We would like to thank M.K Stalin, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for joining us in our celebration, marking an important partnership that has grown from strength to strength over the years. The unwavering support of the authorities and all local stakeholders has been invaluable to the success of our operations and we extend our sincere gratitude on the occasion.”
Strengthening Global Connectivity
Over the last quarter of a century, Emirates has played a pivotal role in enhancing Chennai’s global reach – providing seamless access to its extensive network across six continents. By enabling businesses to tap new markets and offer travellers more choice and convenience, the airline has been a partner in the city’s dynamic growth story.
Chennai continues to be a cornerstone market for Emirates in South India, driving demand from business travellers, leisure seekers, and the significant VFR segment. The top destinations frequently visited by passengers from Chennai include San Francisco, New York, Chicago, Washington D.C., Dallas, Boston, Seattle, Paris, London, Manchester, and Frankfurt.
Emirates also supports strong inbound flows into Chennai from the same key markets in addition to Kuwait, underscoring its role as a bridge for travel, trade, and cultural exchange.
Powering Trade and Commerce
Beyond passenger services, Emirates SkyCargo has been instrumental in connecting Chennai’s farmers, manufacturers, and small businesses with global markets. The carrier continues to transport high value and time sensitive commodities ranging from perishables to electronics and engineering goods. In the last financial year, Emirates SkyCargo uplifted 19,300 tonnes of cargo from Chennai, consisting of fresh fruit and vegetables, pharmaceuticals, and general cargo, supporting local producers and exporters with opportunities for trade on a global scale.
A commitment to excellence
Emirates offers travellers from Chennai its signature Fly Better experience across every cabin. First Class customers can enjoy fully enclosed private suites with floor to ceiling doors, zero gravity seats, unlimited caviar, and personalized fine dining in complete privacy. Business Class passengers enjoy ergonomic leather seats, direct aisle access in every seat, personal minibars, Bvlgari amenity kits, and a premium selection of gourmet meals and beverages. Customers travelling in premium cabins can also enjoy a premium selection of curated wines and spirits. Across all cabins, customers can savour regionally inspired cuisine including vegan options, experience the airline’s award winning service, and immerse themselves in ICE – Emirates’ award-winning inflight entertainment system featuring more than 6,500 channels, including movies, music, live sports, and much more.
As Emirates celebrates 25 years of connecting Chennai to the world, the airline reaffirms its commitment to supporting the city’s people, businesses, and industries. Emirates will continue to enable access to global opportunities, foster economic growth, and strengthen cultural ties for years to come.
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