Emirates has stepped in to part fill the breach left with the grounding of Jet Airways through a code share with Indian low cost carrier SpiceJet.
The deal will bolster the UAE carrier’s network by adding 67 weekly connections between its Dubai hub to six new destinations in India.
Emirates already serves nine points in India and these will be joined by Amritsar, Jaipur, Pune, Mangalore, Madurai and Calicut.
Increased domestic connectivity in India will be provided to Goa, Hubli, Guwahati, Vishakhapatnam and Tuticorin.
SpiceJet passengers from Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Kochi, Amritsar, Jaipur, Pune, Mangalore, Madurai, Kozhikode and 41 other domestic departure points will be able to access Emirates’ global network.
Optimised scheduling will allow for minimal transit times with passengers able to book connecting flights using a single reservation.
Onward destinations with Emirates include London, Paris, Frankfurt, Manchester and Amsterdam in Europe; New York, Washington, Toronto, and Sao Paulo as well as Middle East cities such as Jeddah, Kuwait and Amman.
The partnership is subject to receiving government approvals and comes through a memorandum of understanding agreed between the two airlines.
Emirates divisional senior vice president strategic planning, revenue optimisation and aeropolitical affairs, Adnan Kazim, said: “Our journey in India has been defined by progressive investment, partnership and growth.
“We constantly try to improve and provide our customers with greater flexibility and travel choices.
“This partnership with SpiceJet and the mutual expansion of our network will go a long way in further enhancing the travel experience of our customers in India as well as those heading into India, benefiting travellers and businesses alike.”
SpiceJet chairman and managing director Ajay Singh added: “This new partnership should immensely benefit passengers travelling on both airlines.
“While SpiceJet passengers from across India will be able to enjoy seamless connectivity leveraging Emirates’ vast network across Europe, Africa, America and the Middle East, those travelling to India on Emirates will be able to travel to 51 destinations across our domestic network.”