Emirates is facing significant headwinds in India, both operationally and diplomatically. The airline has reached the cap of its weekly seat entitlement—65,000 seats per direction—under the India–UAE bilateral agreement, with no expansion in sight since 2015 . This limit is curbing Emirates’ ability to grow in one of its fastest-growing markets.

At the same time, regional tensions—particularly between India and Pakistan—have forced Emirates to cancel or reroute multiple flights to India and Pakistan due to airspace closures and safety concerns . These disruptions are affecting passengers and increasing operational costs across the UAE aviation network .

Tensions peaked when India launched “Operation Sindoor,” prompting Pakistan to close airspace—leading to cancellations from Dubai to cities like Lahore, Islamabad, Multan, and more . Emirates and other Gulf carriers such as Etihad and flydubai have had to reroute flights around closed airspaces, triggering delays and higher fuel costs.

India’s budget airline IndiGo has publicly defended India’s cautious position on bilateral seat access, countering Emirates’ demand for expansion by stressing fairness and reciprocal benefit .

sources