Emirates Airlines India Vice‑President Mohammed Sarthan met Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy to discuss expanding flight services, new airport projects and a partnership for a sports university, marking the carrier’s 25th anniversary in India.

Key Takeaways

  • Emirates pledges to increase flight frequencies from Hyderabad.
  • Telangana plans two new airports and invites Emirates to set up MRO facilities.
  • Proposed sports university could see Emirates sponsoring elite athlete training.

Hyderabad – In a high‑profile meeting on July 11, 2026, Emirates Airlines’ India Vice‑President Mohammed Sarthan led a delegation to the Chief Minister’s office to commemorate the airline’s 25‑year operation in India. The dialogue, hosted by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, focused on deepening aviation ties, expanding infrastructure, and exploring sports‑related collaborations.

Expanding Flight Networks

CM Reddy highlighted the surge in passenger demand from Hyderabad and urged Emirates to add more international and domestic routes, increase flight frequencies, and consider new city‑pair connections. Sarthan responded affirmatively, indicating that Emirates is reviewing its schedule to introduce additional daily services in the coming months.

New Airports and MRO Opportunities

Telangana’s government announced plans for two new airports—one near Kormangla and another close to Mahbubnagar. The projects include provisions for Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities, and the state extended an invitation to Emirates to become a strategic partner for these operations. Establishing MRO hubs would not only create skilled jobs but also elevate India’s aviation technical capabilities.

Sports University Partnership

Reddy also appealed to Emirates to support the proposed Sports University in Gachibowli by sponsoring training programs for elite athletes. The initiative aims to position Telangana as a premier sports development hub. Sarthan expressed a positive outlook, promising further discussions on how Emirates can contribute to the university’s launch.

Implications for the Future

Marking a quarter‑century of presence, Emirates’ engagement with the Telangana administration signals a broader strategy to deepen its footprint in India’s fast‑growing aviation market. The prospective collaborations—spanning airport expansion, MRO infrastructure, and sports sponsorship—could boost the state’s economic diversification and enhance its global profile. Both parties pledged to continue dialogue and draft concrete action plans in the weeks ahead.