Summary: Airlines expanding to India in 2026 — led by Emirates — are boosting frequencies and adding routes to major Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru, while several European, Middle Eastern and Central Asian carriers deepen their India links.

Global carriers are increasing capacity to India as demand for business and leisure travel surges. Airlines expanding to India in 2026 include Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Etihad, British Airways, SAS, Air Astana and Wizz Air, all taking steps to add frequencies, relaunch services or introduce new direct links to Indian hubs.

Emirates: Scaling up from Dubai

Emirates already operates an extensive India network and is responding to strong demand by increasing frequencies on busy sectors and targeting new destinations. The Dubai-based carrier is noted for running about 167 weekly flights to Indian cities and is pursuing additional seat entitlements through government-level negotiations to relieve seat-capacity limits that have been in place since 2014.

Turkish Airlines: Expanding Istanbul connections

Turkish Airlines is increasing frequencies between Istanbul and major Indian centres such as Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru. The carrier is positioning Istanbul as a strategic transfer hub, and plans include opening direct services to smaller Indian cities that have been underserved by European carriers.

Etihad: Strengthening Abu Dhabi links

Etihad Airways continues to deepen its presence across India with added capacity and more frequent flights to key destinations including Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and Bengaluru. The Abu Dhabi carrier’s expanded schedules aim to improve connections via the UAE for passengers travelling onward to Europe, Africa and the Americas.

British Airways: More UK–India services

British Airways is adding daily frequencies on routes between London Heathrow and Indian gateways such as Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru. The move aims to serve growing volumes of business travelers and the sizeable UK-India diaspora, while accommodating rising tourism flows between the two markets.

SAS, Air Astana and Wizz Air: Broader Europe and Central Asia access

SAS has resumed and expanded services from Helsinki to Indian cities including Delhi and Mumbai, restoring a direct Scandinavian link. Air Astana is boosting connections between Almaty and New Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru, opening Central Asian routing options. Low-cost carrier Wizz Air is also growing its India-Europe offering with flights connecting India to Athens, Budapest and Warsaw, providing budget-minded travelers more choices to reach Eastern and Central Europe.

  • Increased frequencies on major long-haul corridors (Dubai–India, Istanbul–India, London–India).
  • New or revived direct links from Scandinavia, Central Asia and low-cost European carriers.
  • Greater seat capacity as airlines seek to meet rising business and leisure demand.
  • More budget options for travelers between India and Europe through carriers like Wizz Air.
Widebody aircraft at an international terminal representing increased international flights to India
Global carriers are adding frequencies and routes to Indian cities to meet rising demand in 2026

Implications for India’s aviation and tourism sectors

The collective expansion by these airlines is likely to accelerate inbound tourism, support business travel and strengthen India’s position as a major aviation market. Increased international connectivity can stimulate regional economies, expand tourism offerings and create more onward transfer opportunities through global hubs.

What this means for travelers: higher frequency routes, more direct options from Europe, the Middle East and Central Asia, and competitive pricing — particularly as low-cost carriers add services. For international passengers, the changes should translate into shorter connections, better choice of schedules and more flexible itineraries.