South Africa: Cape Town and the Western Cape have taken another significant step towards strengthening their international connectivity with Emirates. As the airline has expanded its services on the Dubai-Cape Town route from July 01, 2026.
Emirates airline has increased its operations to three daily flights. It has reinforced the position of the region as a key gateway for tourism, trade, investment and business growth.
- The new service will be operated by the Airbus A350-900, featuring Emirates’ latest onboard product.
- 117,000 two-way passengers travelled between Cape Town and the UAE in 2025.
- This represents 13% year-on-year passenger growth between 2024 and 2025.
- Passenger volumes are up more than 50% since 2019.
- Enhanced connectivity will unlock high-growth markets across the Middle East, Asia and beyond through Dubai.
As per the sources, the additional daily service is expected to improve access to global markets by enhancing connectivity through Dubai, which is one of the world’s busiest and most strategically located aviation hubs. The expanded schedule is set to create new opportunities for the Western Cape’s economy. While making international travel more convenient for passengers with seamless connections to destinations across the Middle East, Asia, Europe and beyond.
The new flight will be operated using the Airbus A350-900. It will feature latest onboard product of the Emirates and upgraded passenger experience. The aircraft offers improved comfort and modern amenities. Also, it supports the commitment of airline to provide premium travel services on the route.
Data collected of recent passengers highlight the growing demand for travel between Cape Town and the United Arab Emirates. During 2025, approx. 117,000 two-way passengers travelled between Cape Town and the UAE. They represented a 13% increase as compared to the year 2024. Notably, passenger volumes have also grown by over 50% since 2019, as it reflected the continued recovery and expansion of international air travel.
Reportedly, the increase in flight frequencies is expected to support the Western Cape’ tourism sector. By attracting more international visitors it will facilitate stronger trade and investment links. Improved air access is anticipated to benefit exporters, investors and businesses who are seeking greater access to high-growth markets across the Middle East, Asia and other global destinations through Dubai’s extensive aviation network.
Cape Town Air Access, powered by Wesgro, played a central role in strengthening the international route network of the region through ongoing collaboration with airline partners and industry stakeholders. This initiative continues to focus on expanding direct air connectivity, improving access to priority international markets and supporting inclusive and sustainable tourism growth across the Western Cape.
The latest expansion by Emirates marks another milestone in Cape Town’s aviation development strategy. It will further enhance the global competitiveness of the City of Cape Town and will reinforce its reputation as one of Africa’s leading international travel and business destinations.