Emirates is set to increase its presence in South Africa with the introduction of a fourth daily flight to Johannesburg. This further expansion, scheduled to begin on March 1, 2025, follows the recent launch of a second daily A380 service on September 1, 2024.
These developments highlight South Africa’s increasing position within Emirates’ extensive global network.
Boeing 777 Operations
The new service will utilize a state-of-the-art three-class Boeing 777-300ER, offering an additional 708 seats daily to and from OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg’s primary international gateway.
This expansion caters to both leisure and business travelers, providing more flexibility and choice. Flight EK767 will depart Dubai at 00:10, touching down in Johannesburg at 06:20. EK768, the return flight, will depart Johannesburg at 10:15 and arrive in Dubai at 20:15.
This new schedule introduces a convenient morning departure option from Johannesburg, filling a gap in the existing timetable.
Consistent South African Travel Demand
Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, confirmed the interest in the South African market. “South Africa has consistently been a highly sought-after destination for travelers connecting through Dubai.”
“This fourth daily flight allows us to better meet the growing demand for travel to and from this vibrant market. We extend our gratitude to the South African authorities for their partnership and support in securing this new service, which restores our pre-pandemic capacity of 49 weekly flights across three key gateways in the country.”
Kazim further emphasized Emirates’ long-standing commitment to South Africa. “As we reflect on nearly three decades of operations to this market, we remain dedicated to driving inbound tourism to South Africa.”
“We fully support the government’s vision to establish tourism as a leading economic contributor and a vehicle for transformation. Additionally, we are committed to encouraging increased foreign investment in the country.”
The additional flight significantly enhances connectivity across Emirates’ global network, which spans over 140 destinations.
This expansion optimizes schedules to key locations such as Dubai, Thailand, and India, as well as popular European destinations including the UK, France, the Netherlands, and Germany. The improved connectivity benefits both inbound tourists to South Africa and outbound South African travelers exploring global destinations.
Codeshare and Interline Partnerships
Emirates’ partnerships with four key airlines in South Africa further extend its reach within the continent.
Through codeshare and interline agreements with South African Airways, Airlink, Cemair, and FlySafair, Emirates passengers can seamlessly connect to an additional 60 regional points in Africa.
The longstanding codeshare arrangement with South African Airways, established in 1997, enables smooth, single-ticket travel to all three South African gateways and 12 destinations via Johannesburg. The codeshare with Airlink opens up 44 regional cities, while agreements with Cemair and FlySafair provide access to exclusive leisure destinations and domestic points respectively.
Cargo Services
Beyond passenger services, the new flight significantly boosts cargo capacity. The Boeing 777 offers an additional 300 tonnes of weekly belly-hold cargo space, facilitating the transport of key South African exports.
Emirates SkyCargo, the airline’s freight division, specializes in shipping fresh produce, chilled meat, dairy products, seafood, and cut flowers. This increased capacity further stimulates the South African economy by connecting local businesses with their global customers more efficiently.
A Three Decade History
Emirates’ commitment to South Africa spans nearly three decades, dating back to its inaugural flight to Johannesburg in June 1995. Since then, the airline has progressively expanded its operations, increasing frequencies and adding gateways in Cape Town and Durban.
To date, Emirates has served over 20 million passengers to and from South Africa, playing a pivotal role in the country’s tourism and trade sectors.
Additionally, Emirates offers a Chauffeur Drive Service at all three South African gateways, ensuring a seamless and luxurious travel experience for premium travelers from door to door.
As Emirates continues to invest in its South African operations, this latest expansion not only reinforces the airline’s commitment to the market but also promises to deliver significant economic benefits through increased tourism, trade, and connectivity.
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