Emirates has announced the introduction of its Premium Economy class on flights to and from Kolkata effective 18 July 2025. The move marks the continued expansion of Emirates’ award-winning offering across key Indian cities, with the aim of providing customers more choice when making travel plans.
Passengers traveling on the Dubai-Kolkata route can now book Premium Economy seats on flight EK573, which will operate four times weekly (Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays), departing Kolkata at 20:45 hrs and arriving in Dubai at 00:05 hrs. Flights to Kolkata, on EK572, depart Dubai at 13:05 hrs and arrive in Kolkata at 19:15 hrs. All times are local.
Mohammad Sarhan, Emirates’ VP – India and Nepal said: “We are delighted to introduce our highly-acclaimed Premium Economy experience to Kolkata, marking another significant milestone in our commitment to the Indian market. The response to our Premium Economy product in Mumbai, Bengaluru and Ahmedabad has been overwhelmingly positive, and we are confident that travellers in Kolkata will appreciate the blend of comfort, value, and thoughtful touches that make Emirates’ Premium Economy stand out. We remain dedicated to elevating the travel experience for our customers and offering them more choice and flexibility.”
The Premium Economy cabin is designed to offer an enhanced experience, combining comfort and aesthetically-pleasing features, including wider cream leather seats, increased legroom, adjustable headrests, deeper seat recline and raised cushioned leg rests. For those seeking additional comfort and privacy during their journeys, the understated luxury cabins offer a refined upgrade from Economy Class.
In-flight dining in Premium Economy includes a curated selection of regional dishes served on Royal Doulton fine china tableware with stainless steel cutlery. An extended beverage list featuring a variety of premium wines, exclusive beverages and refreshments is also available for passengers to relish. Each seat is equipped with a 13.3-inch HD personal screen, offering access to a wide range of entertainment options on Emirates’ ice–in-flight entertainment system. Passengers also have the convenience of connecting their own headphones via Bluetooth while leveraging the improved Wi-Fi connectivity across certain aircraft.
Etihad upgrading Kolkata route to new A321LRs
Etihad Airways is set to enhance its Kolkata service with the introduction of the next-generation Airbus A321LR, reinforcing its commitment to the Indian market. Starting 26 September 2025, all Etihad flights between Zayed International Airport, Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata (CCU) will be operated by the state-of-the-art A321LR, offering guests an upgraded travel experience across all cabin classes. The aircraft is equipped with luxury First Suites, fully lie-flat Business seats, and a cutting-edge Economy class featuring ultra-modern 4K touchscreens and high-speed Wi-Fi, ensuring seamless connectivity throughout the journey.
The Airbus A321LR is designed to bring wide-body comfort to a single-aisle aircraft, offering enhanced space, privacy, and premium amenities. The First Suites provide an exclusive experience with forward-facing fully-flat beds in a 1-1 configuration, while Business Class features 14 lie-flat seats, ensuring maximum comfort on medium-haul routes. Economy Class passengers will enjoy next-generation seating, complete with advanced in-flight entertainment and connectivity, making every journey more enjoyable.
Arik De, Etihad’s Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, said: “India is a key market for Etihad, and we are delighted to elevate our Kolkata service with our latest A321LR aircraft. With this upgrade, our guests can now enjoy a superior travel experience, whether in our luxurious First Suites, Business Class lie-flat seats, or next-generation Economy cabin. This investment underlines our ongoing commitment to providing world-class service and greater connectivity across the Indian subcontinent.”
The new A321LR aircraft brings enhanced efficiency and comfort, making Etihad the premier choice for travellers between Abu Dhabi and Kolkata. The airline continues to strengthen its footprint in India, offering passengers greater access to Etihad’s growing global network.
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