Emirates Airline has announced an exciting expansion of its Airbus A350-900 operations, set to introduce the aircraft to seven new destinations starting June 1, 2025. This strategic move is poised to enhance the airline's network across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, significantly increasing its global footprint.
Beginning June 1, passengers can expect six weekly flights to Tunis-Carthage International Airport (TUN) on EK 747/748, marking the A350's debut in Tunisia. The airline will also operate daily flights to Amman Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) on the EK 905/906 rotation, ensuring a strong presence in Jordan.
On July 1, Emirates will further enhance connectivity by launching daily operations to Istanbul (IST) on the EK 117/118 rotation. This is followed by the A350's first entry into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with services to Dammam King Fahd International Airport (DMM) on EK 827/828 starting that same month.
The airline has ambitious plans in Asia as well, introducing flights to Ho Chi Minh City Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) on August 1, 2025, via the EK 364/EK 365 flight pair. Additionally, from August 3, 2025, Baghdad International Airport (BGW) will see three weekly flights (Monday, Wednesday, and Sunday) using the A350, while Oslo (OSL) will also welcome daily flights starting September 1, 2025.
Adnan Kazim, the Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer of Emirates Airline, shared insights into this strategic expansion, stating, “Our strategic A350 expansion across diverse geographies in the Middle East/GCC, Europe, Africa and Southeast Asia leverages the aircraft’s operational flexibility and efficiency, while offering more customers expanded premium travel options and the opportunity to experience our latest generation interiors like Business Class and Premium Economy along with plenty of thoughtful touches throughout every cabin, now available in more cities than ever before.”
These developments underscore Emirates' commitment to providing travelers with unique routes and enhanced onboard experiences tailored to discerning guests. Moreover, this expansion coincides with a significant increase in the airline's existing A350 services, with crucial modifications planned to existing routes as well.
The airline aims to boost its services in Bahrain, transitioning to a nearly exclusive A350 operation, with the introduction of a third daily flight (EK 835/836) starting June 1. For the first time, Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) will also receive its first Emirates A350 service on the same date, showcasing the airline's flexibility in deploying its new aircraft ahead of schedule.
Furthermore, on October 1, 2025, Kuwait will welcome a second A350 flight on the daily EK 857/858, indicating Emirates' intent to strengthen connections in the region. As of now, Emirates operates three A350-900 aircraft, with ambitious plans for additional deliveries in the upcoming months, alongside specific operational enhancements to maximize efficiency.
According to recent analytics from Cirium's Diio Mi, Emirates planned to operate 49 weekly flights using the A350-900 to six key destinations by April 2025. Those destinations include Ahmedabad, Bahrain, Mumbai, Colombo, Edinburgh, and Kuwait. As new aircraft join the fleet, the configuration will allow for 312 total passengers, featuring 32 Business Class lie-flat seats, 21 Premium Economy seats, and 259 Economy seats.
The arrival of more A350-900 aircraft is crucial for Emirates as it strives to deliver on its commitment to exceptional service, unique connectivity options, and elevated travel experiences. “The introduction of this aircraft and layering it on existing route schedules also enables Emirates to maintain a compelling competitive position as the airline of choice for discerning travelers looking for a unique slate of connectivity options and elevated onboard experiences they can't have with any other carrier,” explained Kazim.
To sum up, Emirates' expansion into new destinations signifies a pivotal moment for the airline amidst broader plans to enhance operational capability and customer satisfaction. Should Airbus adhere to its delivery schedules, these new routes could be operational even earlier than planned, setting the stage for an extraordinary summer travel season. Ultimately, this reflects Emirates' unwavering commitment to quality and service, aiming to provide travelers with exceptional, memorable journeys that highlight the best of what the airline can offer.
