Emirates Airlines reconnects Dubai and the world, recovering 96% of its global network
Emirates Airlines announced the recovery of 96% of its global network after a period of disruption, now operating over 1,300 flights weekly to 137 cities in 72 countries. The airline has enhanced services like flexible booking and Dubai Connect, and is reinforcing its Japan routes, catering to the resurgence in travel demand.
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- 📰 Published: May 7, 2026 at 22:00
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Dubai, UAE, May 4, 2026: Emirates Airlines announced its return to near full operational capacity, having recovered 96% of its global network after a period of temporary disruption. Over the past few weeks, the airline has progressively resumed operations across the Americas, Europe, Africa, West Asia, the Middle East and GCC countries, the Far East, and Australia-New Zealand regions.
Currently, Emirates operates over 1,300 flights weekly to 137 cities in 72 countries, which accounts for 75% of its normal operating capacity. By expanding its flight frequencies and available seats daily, and offering diverse choices to meet travel needs, Dubai further strengthens its presence as a vital hub supporting global mobility.
Even amidst reduced operations, Emirates served 4.7 million customers during the period from March 1 to April 30, 2026. This demonstrates the resilience of travel demand and the continued trust in the airline as a mode of transport.
Experience Emirates, Anywhere in the World
All customers flying with Emirates, no matter their destination, can enjoy the highest standard of in-flight and on-ground experiences, characterized by exceptional comfort, heartfelt hospitality, and high-quality service that has set the benchmark for long-haul travel.
Onboard, passengers can indulge in a special dining experience featuring multi-course menus crafted by an award-winning team of chefs, incorporating regional specialties, complemented by a rich selection of premium beverages. The award-winning in-flight entertainment system, ice, offers over 6,500 contents in approximately 40 languages, including movies, TV shows, music, podcasts, games, and audiobooks, ensuring a comfortable journey even on long flights.
Furthermore, for customers who require constant internet connectivity during their flight, Emirates provides comfortable, high-speed Wi-Fi at 40,000 feet. Currently, Starlink connectivity service has been introduced on 27 aircraft, offering a fast and stable internet environment onboard.
Flexible and Secure Travel with Enhanced Benefits
Emirates has created an environment where customers can travel with greater peace of mind through flexible booking changes, stopover experiences with Dubai Connect, and enhanced Skywards benefits:
Flexible Booking Changes: Customers who booked flights after April 2 can make one free flight change in all cabin classes. Additionally, those who booked directly with Emirates can secure their fare for up to 24 hours free of charge.
Dubai Connect: For customers with layovers in Dubai ranging from 6 to 26 hours, Emirates' Dubai Connect service transforms extended layovers into comfortable stays. Eligible customers receive complimentary accommodation in a 4- or 5-star hotel, airport transfers, meals, and, if required, a free UAE entry visa. This service is available to passengers in all classes who meet the specified layover times. Please apply via "Manage Your Booking" on emirates.com up to 12 hours before departure. Terms and conditions apply.
Skywards: From May 8 to August 31, 2026, Emirates Skywards members will receive bonus Tier Miles when flying with Emirates and flydubai, in addition to relaxed tier achievement criteria. This allows members to reach higher tier statuses faster.
In Japan, Emirates Airlines currently operates daily passenger flights to Narita International Airport, Tokyo International Airport (Haneda), and Kansai International Airport. Additionally, it operates two cargo-only flights weekly to Kansai International Airport and one weekly to Narita International Airport. Furthermore, for the Narita route, the start date for the second daily passenger operation has been postponed to October 26, 2026, while cargo-only flights will be increased to twice weekly from May 22, 2026. This aims to strengthen transportation capacity and connectivity to and from Japan, smoothly connecting Japan with Dubai and other destinations worldwide.
Currently, Emirates operates over 1,300 flights weekly to 137 cities in 72 countries, which accounts for 75% of its normal operating capacity. By expanding its flight frequencies and available seats daily, and offering diverse choices to meet travel needs, Dubai further strengthens its presence as a vital hub supporting global mobility.
Even amidst reduced operations, Emirates served 4.7 million customers during the period from March 1 to April 30, 2026. This demonstrates the resilience of travel demand and the continued trust in the airline as a mode of transport.
Experience Emirates, Anywhere in the World
All customers flying with Emirates, no matter their destination, can enjoy the highest standard of in-flight and on-ground experiences, characterized by exceptional comfort, heartfelt hospitality, and high-quality service that has set the benchmark for long-haul travel.
Onboard, passengers can indulge in a special dining experience featuring multi-course menus crafted by an award-winning team of chefs, incorporating regional specialties, complemented by a rich selection of premium beverages. The award-winning in-flight entertainment system, ice, offers over 6,500 contents in approximately 40 languages, including movies, TV shows, music, podcasts, games, and audiobooks, ensuring a comfortable journey even on long flights.
Furthermore, for customers who require constant internet connectivity during their flight, Emirates provides comfortable, high-speed Wi-Fi at 40,000 feet. Currently, Starlink connectivity service has been introduced on 27 aircraft, offering a fast and stable internet environment onboard.
Flexible and Secure Travel with Enhanced Benefits
Emirates has created an environment where customers can travel with greater peace of mind through flexible booking changes, stopover experiences with Dubai Connect, and enhanced Skywards benefits:
Flexible Booking Changes: Customers who booked flights after April 2 can make one free flight change in all cabin classes. Additionally, those who booked directly with Emirates can secure their fare for up to 24 hours free of charge.
Dubai Connect: For customers with layovers in Dubai ranging from 6 to 26 hours, Emirates' Dubai Connect service transforms extended layovers into comfortable stays. Eligible customers receive complimentary accommodation in a 4- or 5-star hotel, airport transfers, meals, and, if required, a free UAE entry visa. This service is available to passengers in all classes who meet the specified layover times. Please apply via "Manage Your Booking" on emirates.com up to 12 hours before departure. Terms and conditions apply.
Skywards: From May 8 to August 31, 2026, Emirates Skywards members will receive bonus Tier Miles when flying with Emirates and flydubai, in addition to relaxed tier achievement criteria. This allows members to reach higher tier statuses faster.
In Japan, Emirates Airlines currently operates daily passenger flights to Narita International Airport, Tokyo International Airport (Haneda), and Kansai International Airport. Additionally, it operates two cargo-only flights weekly to Kansai International Airport and one weekly to Narita International Airport. Furthermore, for the Narita route, the start date for the second daily passenger operation has been postponed to October 26, 2026, while cargo-only flights will be increased to twice weekly from May 22, 2026. This aims to strengthen transportation capacity and connectivity to and from Japan, smoothly connecting Japan with Dubai and other destinations worldwide.