What happened?
Emirates has introduced a new EMI payment option that allows eligible customers in India to pay for flight bookings in monthly instalments.
Who is affected?
Customers in India using eligible credit cards issued by 12 participating banks when booking flights through Emirates’ official website.
Why does it matter?
The new payment option makes international travel more accessible by reducing the need for a large upfront payment while offering flexible repayment periods.
Travellers in India can now book Emirates flights using Equated Monthly Instalments (EMIs) instead of paying the full fare upfront. Emirates announced the new payment solution on 14 July, allowing eligible customers to spread the cost of their bookings over three to 36 months through selected banking partners. The move is designed to make international travel more affordable while giving passengers greater flexibility when planning holidays, family visits or business trips across the airline’s global network.
How does Emirates’ new EMI payment option work?
The new facility is available on Emirates’ official website for customers booking flights from India.
Instead of paying the entire ticket price at checkout, eligible passengers can choose to convert their payment into monthly instalments using their credit card issued by one of the participating banks.
Customers can select repayment periods ranging from three months to 36 months, depending on their bank’s terms and eligibility requirements.
According to Emirates, the payment solution has been introduced to provide travellers with greater financial flexibility while making premium international travel more accessible.
However, customers should note that interest rates, processing charges, eligibility criteria and approval timelines differ from one bank to another.
Which banks are participating in the Emirates EMI programme?
The airline has partnered with 12 major Indian banks for the rollout.
Eligible customers can use credit cards issued by:
- Axis Bank
- Bank of Baroda
- HDFC Bank
- HSBC Bank
- ICICI Bank
- IDBI Bank
- IndusInd Bank
- Kotak Mahindra Bank
- RBL Bank
- Standard Chartered Bank
- State Bank of India
- Yes Bank
The final repayment terms are determined by the issuing bank, and customers are advised to review the applicable charges before confirming their booking.
What’s behind Emirates’ latest payment initiative in India?
Flexible payment solutions have become increasingly popular across the travel industry as airlines look for ways to make international travel easier to budget.
According to Emirates, the new option gives customers greater freedom to plan long-awaited holidays, family trips and business travel without paying the full amount immediately.
The airline believes the initiative will allow more customers to choose travel plans that suit their personal budgets while continuing to enjoy Emirates’ onboard products and services.
India remains one of Emirates’ largest international markets, with the airline operating extensive services between India and Dubai, along with onward connections to destinations across Europe, North America, Africa, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific.
The introduction of EMI payments aligns with the growing preference among Indian consumers for flexible financing options across travel, retail and digital commerce.
Who stands to benefit the most from Emirates’ EMI facility?
For many travellers, the biggest advantage is improved affordability.
Rather than delaying travel because of the upfront ticket cost, passengers can spread payments over several months while securing their preferred travel dates.
The new payment option may be especially useful for:
- Family holidays during school breaks
- Business travellers managing company expenses
- Students travelling overseas
- Long-haul leisure trips
- Premium cabin bookings
Since Emirates serves nearly 140 destinations worldwide, the flexibility could encourage more travellers to explore destinations beyond Dubai through the airline’s global network.
The airline has also continued enhancing its customer experience by expanding Premium Economy on selected routes and investing in upgraded cabin interiors as part of its broader fleet refurbishment programme.
How does this strengthen Emirates’ presence in India?
India has long been one of Emirates’ most strategically important markets.
The airline operates multiple daily flights connecting major Indian cities with Dubai, where passengers can seamlessly transfer to destinations across six continents.
Introducing flexible payment options complements Emirates’ wider strategy of improving customer convenience through digital booking enhancements and expanded travel choices.
For Emirates, the move could help attract new customers who previously considered international travel financially challenging while encouraging repeat travellers to book earlier.
As competition among international airlines continues to grow, flexible payment solutions are becoming another way for carriers to improve the customer booking experience.
Why It Matters
The new EMI facility offers practical benefits for travellers rather than changing the travel experience itself.
Here’s why it matters:
- Travellers can spread ticket costs instead of making a single large payment.
- International holidays become more budget-friendly for eligible customers.
- Business and family travellers gain greater financial flexibility when planning trips.
- Emirates strengthens its position in one of its largest international markets.
- Customers continue to access Emirates’ global network of nearly 140 destinations while choosing a repayment plan that fits their budget.
Although the payment option is currently available only in India, it reflects a wider trend across the aviation industry towards offering customers more flexible ways to pay for travel.
FAQs
Can I pay for Emirates flights in monthly instalments?
Yes. Eligible customers booking Emirates flights from India can now choose EMI payments through participating banks.
How many banks are part of the Emirates EMI programme?
There are 12 participating Indian banks, including HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, SBI, Axis Bank and HSBC.
What is the maximum EMI tenure?
Customers can choose repayment periods ranging from three months to 36 months, depending on their bank.
Is the EMI facility available for all Emirates customers?
No. It is currently available for eligible customers in India using qualifying credit cards from participating banks.
Will banks charge interest or processing fees?
Yes. Interest rates, processing charges, eligibility criteria and repayment terms vary depending on the issuing bank.
Emirates’ new EMI payment solution gives Indian travellers another way to plan international trips without paying the full fare upfront. By partnering with 12 leading banks and offering repayment periods of up to 36 months, the airline is making it easier for eligible customers to manage travel expenses while accessing its extensive global network.
Follow Social Kandura for more updates on local news and things to do in Dubai and across the UAE.
Read More
- Emirates Is Hiring Again: New Job Openings Announced Across UAE and Asia
- Emirates Launches New Travel Insurance With Free Rebookings and Extended Stay Cover
- Emirates Palace And ETHR Café Bring A Unique Summer Pop-Up Experience To Abu Dhabi
- How to Get Your Digital Emirates ID on Your Phone in the UAE?
