Emirates is heading into its winter season, which begins in late October, with booking numbers and network expansion that point to sustained demand for travel through Dubai.
The airline carried more than 8.6 million passengers between July and August and is now operating at around 93% of its pre-disruption capacity. More than half a million customers arrived in Dubai on Emirates flights in late August alone, up 7% compared with the same period last year.
Where demand is strongest
Emirates said demand is tracking ahead of last year in several markets, including South Africa, Brazil, India, Portugal, Egypt, Ghana, Colombia, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan.
To make booking easier during this period, Emirates introduced one free date change anywhere across its network, along with unlimited free date changes for flights to Dubai. It has also launched Comprehensive Travel Cover, a policy that includes medical cover for conflict and airspace disruption.
Fleet and cabin upgrades
Since January 2026, Emirates has taken delivery of 18 aircraft, comprising 11 new A350s and seven Boeing 777 freighters, with six more A350s due before the end of December.
The airline's retrofit programme has now been completed on 104 aircraft, including 53 Boeing 777s and 51 A380s. Premium Economy and Emirates' latest cabin products are currently available on 137 aircraft, a figure expected to rise to 155 by the end of December.
