Emirates Expands A350 Network with Seven New Destinations, Including Africa
Emirates has unveiled the next phase of its Airbus A350 network expansion, introducing seven new destinations that will benefit from the airline’s latest cabin innovations. This announcement marks a significant milestone, as the A350 will make its debut in both Africa and Southeast Asia, further enhancing Emirates’ global reach and offering African travel agents new opportunities to connect their clients to key destinations.
Starting June 1, Emirates will operate its A350 six times weekly to Tunis on flights EK 747/748, excluding Tuesdays. This move highlights the airline’s commitment to strengthening its presence in North Africa, a region with growing demand for premium air travel. On the same date, Amman will also join the A350 network, with daily flights on EK 905/906, offering travelers in the Middle East access to Emirates’ state-of-the-art aircraft.
From July 1, the A350 will commence daily operations to Istanbul on EK 117/118, marking the aircraft’s first appearance in Turkey. Additionally, Emirates will introduce the A350 to Dammam, Saudi Arabia, on flights EK 827/828, also starting July 1. This deployment underscores the airline’s focus on the Gulf region, where demand for premium travel continues to rise.
In a significant step into Southeast Asia, Emirates will launch daily A350 flights to Ho Chi Minh City on EK 364/365 beginning August 1. This marks the A350’s first foray into the region, offering African travelers seamless connections to Vietnam’s bustling economic hub. Meanwhile, Baghdad will welcome the A350 three times weekly (Monday, Wednesday, and Sunday) on EK 941/942 from August 3, further enhancing connectivity to Iraq.
Finally, from September 1, the A350 will debut in Oslo, Norway, with daily flights on EK 159/160. This addition strengthens Emirates’ European network and provides African travel agents with more options for clients seeking connections to Scandinavia.
In addition to these new destinations, Emirates is expanding its A350 services to existing routes. From June 1, Bahrain will become a nearly all-A350 operation with the addition of a third daily flight, EK 835/836. Similarly, Kuwait will see a second daily A350 service on EK 857/858 starting October 1. Furthermore, Bologna will receive its first A350 on June 1, a month earlier than previously announced, showcasing Emirates’ agility in deploying its fleet to meet demand.
The Emirates A350 offers a three-class configuration, accommodating 312 passengers. This includes 32 next-generation Business Class lie-flat seats in a 1-2-1 configuration, complete with a mini-bar for quick snacks. The aircraft also features 21 Premium Economy seats and 259 generously pitched Economy Class seats, ensuring a comfortable journey for all passengers.
Emirates’ strategic deployment of the A350 reflects its commitment to enhancing the travel experience while meeting the diverse needs of its global customer base. For African travel agents, this expansion presents exciting opportunities to connect clients to key destinations across the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. With more A350 aircraft joining the fleet in the coming months, Emirates plans to announce additional destinations, including long-haul routes, further solidifying its position as a leader in global aviation.
As the airline continues to innovate and expand, African travel professionals can leverage these developments to offer their clients unparalleled travel experiences, opening doors to new markets and strengthening ties with Emirates’ extensive network.