The new service strengthens connectivity between Cape Town and Dubai while marking the South African debut of Emirates’ next-generation Airbus A350.
Emirates has expanded its South African operations with the launch of a third daily service between Dubai and Cape Town. Flight EK778 touched down at Cape Town International Airport on 1 July, marking the first arrival of the new service. The launch also introduced the Emirates Airbus A350 to South Africa for the first time, adding the airline’s newest aircraft type to its growing African network. The expansion reflects continued demand for travel between South Africa and Dubai while providing travellers with greater flexibility and improved access to Emirates’ global network.
Image Courtesy: Official website
Emirates brings the Airbus A350 to South Africa
The launch marks a significant milestone for Emirates’ fleet expansion strategy. The Airbus A350 is the newest aircraft to join the airline’s all wide-body fleet and introduces Emirates’ latest onboard product to South African travellers. The aircraft features redesigned cabins, enhanced passenger comfort, advanced technology, and upgraded inflight entertainment across all classes. The deployment also increases access to Emirates’ Premium Economy cabin, which launched in South Africa in September 2025 and has remained popular with travellers seeking additional comfort on long-haul journeys. By introducing the Airbus A350 on the Cape Town route, Emirates is bringing one of its most modern passenger experiences to the market while supporting growing travel demand.
More flights and greater connectivity
The new service provides travellers with more choice when flying between South Africa and Dubai. In addition, passengers benefit from improved onward connections through Dubai to destinations across West Asia, Australasia, and the Far East. The additional frequency also strengthens Cape Town’s links with key international markets and supports both leisure and business travel. According to Emirates, Cape Town remains one of the most popular destinations on its African network. The airline says the launch of the third daily service reflects its long-term confidence in the market and its commitment to supporting connectivity to and from the region. The service also builds on the agreement signed between Emirates and Wesgro in April 2026. Through the partnership, both organisations are working to attract more visitors from strategic markets including the Gulf region, India, and the Far East.
Johannesburg receives additional capacity
Cape Town is not the only South African destination benefiting from Emirates’ expansion. The airline reinstated its fourth daily Johannesburg service on 1 July, increasing total connectivity between South Africa and Dubai to 56 weekly flights across Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban. At the same time, Emirates has strengthened capacity in Johannesburg through the seasonal deployment of a second Airbus A380 service. Flights EK761 and EK762 are now operated by a fully retrofitted Airbus A380 featuring the airline’s Premium Economy cabin and updated interiors. The move further enhances Emirates’ premium offering while increasing seat capacity on one of its busiest African routes.
Supporting trade as well as tourism
The additional services also strengthen Emirates’ cargo operations in South Africa. Alongside passenger traffic, Emirates SkyCargo continues to transport key South African exports to international markets through its global network. Fresh fruit and vegetables, seafood, dairy products, chilled meat, and fresh-cut flowers remain among the major commodities carried by the airline. By increasing frequencies and optimising belly cargo capacity across the Boeing 777 and Airbus A350 fleets, Emirates is helping South African producers access global markets more efficiently. The expansion therefore supports both tourism and trade, reinforcing the airline’s role as an important connector between South Africa and the rest of the world.
Image Courtesy: Official website
Strengthening Emirates’ South African network
The arrival of the third Cape Town service represents another step in Emirates’ long-standing commitment to South Africa. With 56 weekly flights now operating between Dubai and South Africa’s three gateways, the airline continues to expand connectivity, increase capacity, and introduce newer aircraft to the market. The debut of the Airbus A350 adds a new dimension to that strategy. At the same time, the additional frequencies provide travellers with more options while supporting tourism, trade, and economic ties between South Africa and key global markets.
Key points
- Emirates has launched a third daily service between Dubai and Cape Town.
- The service marks the South African debut of the Airbus A350.
- Travellers gain improved access to Emirates’ global network via Dubai.
- Emirates has also reinstated a fourth daily Johannesburg service.
- The airline now operates 56 weekly flights between South Africa and Dubai.
