Emirates is set to significantly upgrade air connectivity to South Africa with the introduction of its next-generation A350 aircraft on the Dubai–Cape Town route. From July 1, 2026, the airline will operate the Airbus A350 on a third daily service, marking the first time the aircraft type will serve Cape Town and signaling a major investment in the city’s growing aviation profile. The move strengthens Emirates presence in Southern Africa while offering passengers access to the carrier’s newest onboard products.

With the rollout, South Africa becomes the only African country served by all three of Emirates’ flagship widebody aircraft: the A380, the retrofitted Boeing 777, and the A350. According to the airline’s regional management, this diverse fleet mix provides customers with greater flexibility and consistent service quality across all South African gateways, reinforcing Emirates’ long-term commitment to the market.

The new service, flight EK778, will depart Dubai at 10:25 hrs and arrive in Cape Town at 18:05 hrs, while the return flight EK779 leaves Cape Town at 20:00 hrs, landing in Dubai at 07:25 hrs the following morning. This carefully timed schedule enhances connectivity, offering smoother onward links to major global hubs across Europe, Asia, Australasia, and the US East Coast, catering to both leisure and business travelers.

Emirates’ expansion reflects Cape Town’s continued growth as a high-demand destination. The airline’s existing double-daily flights have recorded strong load factors, driven by rising inbound travel from the Gulf region and steady outbound demand to Europe and North America. The introduction of the A350 is expected to further boost passenger interest, particularly with the availability of Emirates’ Premium Economy cabin alongside upgraded Business and Economy Class experiences.

The deployment also aligns with Emirates’ broader strategy to accelerate the introduction of its latest aircraft across high-traffic routes worldwide. By July 2026, Premium Economy is projected to be available on more than 84 routes, ensuring passengers enjoy a consistent, modern inflight experience featuring enhanced seating, refined cabin design, and advanced entertainment systems aboard the Airbus A350.

For Cape Town, the move is likely to elevate its international appeal, attracting high-value tourists, corporate travelers, and diaspora visitors while strengthening its position as a leading African aviation hub. Emirates’ decision sends a strong signal of confidence in the region’s tourism and economic potential, setting a new benchmark for service quality and intensifying competition among carriers serving Cape Town, to the benefit of travelers and the wider travel industry.