Emirates has strengthened its South Africa operations with the launch of a third daily service to Cape Town, boosting capacity and connectivity for the Australian and global travel trade.
The new Dubai–Cape Town flight, which commenced on 2 July 2026, also marks the debut of the airline’s Airbus A350 in the South African market.
Capacity boost enhances global connectivity
The additional Cape Town frequency increases flexibility for travellers connecting via Dubai to key long-haul markets, including Asia, the Middle East and Australasia.
Emirates now operates 56 weekly flights between South Africa and Dubai across Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban, following the reinstatement of a fourth daily Johannesburg service on 1 July 2026.
The expanded schedule is expected to support both inbound tourism and outbound travel, while also strengthening air access for long-haul markets such as Australia.
New aircraft introduces upgraded onboard product
The deployment of the Airbus A350 introduces Emirates’ latest cabin design to the route, including its Premium Economy offering, which launched in South Africa in September 2025.
The aircraft features updated interiors, improved in-flight technology and increased comfort across all cabins, positioning the airline to better compete in the premium long-haul segment.
Emirates Regional Manager for Southern Africa, Afzal Parambil, said the move reflects strong demand for Cape Town as a destination and the airline’s confidence in the market.
“The launch of a third daily service, operated with our newest aircraft, shows how much we believe in this market,” he said.
Trade and tourism benefits extend beyond passengers
Beyond passenger travel, the increased capacity also supports cargo operations, with Emirates SkyCargo continuing to transport key South African exports including fresh produce, seafood and flowers to global markets.
The expansion aligns with broader destination marketing efforts, including a partnership with tourism agency Wesgro to drive visitor growth from the Gulf, India and Asia.
For the Australian travel trade, the additional capacity and improved connectivity provide greater flexibility when packaging South Africa itineraries, particularly for clients combining Cape Town with multi-stop international journeys.
