Emirates Airlines is strengthening its African presence by adding more flights to key destinations. This will see increased services to Entebbe (Uganda), Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), and Johannesburg (South Africa).
The network move comes in response to growing levels of demand in the African sector.
African Expansion Since 1986
Since launching its first African route to Cairo in 1986, Emirates has steadily expanded across the continent. Today, the airline serves 20 passenger and cargo destinations, enhancing Africa’s air transport connectivity and market growth.
“Africa remains central to Emirates’ growth strategy,” says Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer. “We’re committed to investing in and expanding our presence across the continent.”
“The new flights to Uganda, South Africa, and Ethiopia support regional development while creating vital connections through Dubai to growing markets in Asia and the Middle East.”
“For over three decades, Emirates has helped shape African aviation and tourism. Beyond increasing our flights, we’ve built strong partnerships with local governments, tourism boards, and airlines to unlock the region’s potential,” Kazim adds.
Uganda Flight Operations
Starting October 27, Emirates upgraded its Dubai-Uganda service from five weekly flights to daily operations. Using Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, this addition provides 718 more weekly seats between Dubai and Entebbe. This links to popular destinations like Canada, the US, India, and the UK.
As Entebbe’s only airline offering First Class service, Emirates provides travelers with luxury amenities, premium dining, and industry-leading entertainment options.
This expansion builds on Emirates’ 20-year relationship with Uganda, an emerging tourism destination in the airline’s network.
The airline recently signed an agreement with the Uganda Tourism Board at the 2024 Arabian Travel Market to promote the country’s natural wonders and cultural attractions to international visitors.
Ethiopia Flight Operations
Starting January 1, 2025, Emirates will launch daily flights between Dubai and Addis Ababa. This increase supports Ethiopia’s goal of becoming one of Africa’s top five tourist destinations by 2025. It will especially benefit travelers from the Middle East and Far East.
South Africa Flight Operations
From March 1, 2025, Johannesburg will receive a fourth daily flight, adding a morning departure option at South Africa’s busiest international airport. This returns Emirates’ South African operations to pre-pandemic levels, with 49 weekly flights serving this popular African destination.
These additions will bring Emirates’ weekly African flights to 161.Tickets are available through emirates.com, the Emirates App, retail stores, contact center, and travel agents.
Expanding African Coverage
Emirates serves 17 African countries within its global network of 80 countries and territories. Through partnerships with 5 codeshare and 18 interline carriers, travelers can access over 210 regional destinations across Africa with simplified booking and baggage handling.
In 2023, Emirates partnered with Royal Air Maroc, adding 18 Moroccan destinations including Fez, Tangiers, and Marrakech.
The airline’s partnership network also includes unique destinations through carriers like Cemair, offering access to South African leisure spots, and Pro Flight Zambia for safari experiences.
Emirates recently resumed daily flights to Lagos, Nigeria’s economic center, offering premium First Class service on this route.
Emirates SkyCargo benefits from these passenger flight additions, complementing its eight weekly freighter services.
The cargo division serves six African destinations with flexible capacity management, including truck services between South African cities. New freighter deliveries through 2026 will support future growth plans.
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