Emirates is marking a strong return to global operations with 96 percent of its network now restored, signaling a major milestone in its recovery and reinforcing its role in reconnecting international travel through Dubai. The airline has, in recent weeks, progressively resumed services across key regions including the Americas, Europe, Africa, West Asia, the Middle East and GCC, the Far East, and Australasia, underscoring the breadth of its global reach.
Currently, Emirates operates to 137 destinations across 72 countries, offering more than 1,300 weekly flights and restoring 75 percent of its pre-disruption capacity. This expansion reflects a steady increase in flights, seat availability, and travel options for passengers, while reaffirming Dubai’s strategic importance as a central hub for global connectivity.
Even during the period of reduced operations, Emirates carried 4.7 million passengers, highlighting sustained demand for air travel and the continued trust passengers place in the airline’s ability to deliver reliable service. As operations scale up, the airline continues to emphasize its signature onboard and on-ground experience, built around comfort, hospitality, and high service standards that have defined long-haul travel with the brand.
Passengers onboard Emirates flights are offered a premium culinary experience featuring regionally inspired multi-course menus curated by award-winning chefs, alongside a wide selection of beverages. The airline’s inflight entertainment system, ice, provides access to more than 6,500 channels of content in nearly 40 languages, including movies, television shows, music, podcasts, games, and audiobooks. For connectivity, Emirates has introduced high-speed internet onboard, with Starlink now available on 28 aircraft, enabling passengers to stay connected throughout their journey.
To further enhance the travel experience, Emirates is offering a range of flexible options and rewards. Customers who book flights from April 2 benefit from increased flexibility, including one complimentary date change across all cabin classes, as well as the option to hold a fare for 24 hours at no cost. The airline’s Dubai Connect programme also transforms extended layovers into comfortable stopovers, offering eligible passengers complimentary hotel accommodation in four- or five-star properties, airport transfers, meals, and visa support where required. The service is available for transit times between six and 26 hours and can be arranged through the airline’s booking management platform, subject to terms and conditions.
In addition, Emirates Skywards members can take advantage of enhanced loyalty benefits between May 8 and August 31, 2026, including reduced tier requirements and bonus Tier Miles on Emirates and flydubai flights, allowing faster progression to premium membership tiers.
Africa remains a key part of Emirates’ restored network, with South Africa and Kenya fully reintegrated into its global operations. The airline operates three daily flights to Johannesburg, ten weekly services to Cape Town, with flight EK772 currently running three times a week, and four weekly flights to Durban, ensuring strong connectivity across South Africa. In East Africa, Emirates maintains a daily service to Nairobi, supporting consistent travel links to and from Kenya.
With most of its network now back in operation, Emirates continues to strengthen its position as a leading global carrier, connecting passengers across continents while delivering a comprehensive travel experience built on flexibility, innovation, and world-class service.
