With effect from 1st July 2008, Emirates Airline is launching services to connect Dubai and kozhikode with six flights a week. Notably, after Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi, Kozhikode is the third gateway to India for Emirates. The new route is part of the strategic expansion plan of the airline and its commitment to this market.

Salem Obaidalla, Senior Vice President Commercial Operations, West Asia and Indian Ocean, observed, "We are gearing up for the launch of our services to Kozhikode in the summer of this year. In the past few months we have stepped up our recruitment efforts, and will soon start training our newly-appointed staff to serve the city's travellers. In Kozhikode we will establish a town office, an airport office as well as a separate cargo office to manage the city's passenger and cargo requirements."

It is significant to note that over two million people from Kerala work and live in the Gulf region. Presently, Emirates has a remarkable presence in the Middle East offering 163 weekly services to the 12 gateways operated through its Dubai hub. Once the service to Kozhikode commences, this city will add up to the existing gateways and enhance the connections between Kerala and the Middle East. The new launch shall offer a great convenience and comfort of travel for the people of this region working and living in the Middle East. Under the new launch, flights will be operated on all days of the week except Sundays.