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Emirates Adds Third Daily Cape Town Flight Emirates Adds Third Daily Cape Town Flight

In a move set to reshape air connectivity between Southern Africa and the world, Emirates has confirmed the launch of a third daily flight between Dubai and Cape Town, effective 1 July 2026. This expansion, operated by a Boeing 777, will inject more than 600 additional seats per day into one of Africa’s most dynamic tourism and business markets, responding directly to a year of consistently high demand and positioning Cape Town as an even more accessible gateway for global travelers [[1]](https://aviationmetric.com/emirates-saa-enhance-codeshare-pact-deepen-28-years-partnership/).

The decision to introduce a third frequency comes on the back of Emirates’ double-daily Cape Town schedule, which has been running at exceptionally high seat loads, especially during peak travel periods. The airline’s robust performance on this route reflects a surge in both inbound and outbound travel. Inbound demand from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) continues to climb, while outbound flows to Europe and the US East Coast remain strong, underscoring Cape Town’s enduring appeal as a leisure and business destination.

The new service, designated as EK778, will depart Dubai at 10:25 and arrive at Cape Town International Airport at 18:05. The return leg, EK779, leaves Cape Town at 20:00, touching down in Dubai at 07:25 the following morning. This evening departure from Cape Town offers travelers a convenient overnight option, ensuring seamless onward connections to a host of long-haul destinations that are particularly popular with South African travelers—such as Thailand, Indonesia, France, Switzerland, and key hubs across East Asia, including the Philippines and China.

For the African travel sector, the implications are significant. The additional frequency not only boosts capacity for the busy peak season but also supports year-round travel, catering to both leisure and business segments. The move is expected to further stimulate tourism flows into Cape Town, which remains South Africa’s most visited city, while also providing new opportunities for outbound travelers seeking greater flexibility and choice in their itineraries.

Beyond the tourism sector, the third daily flight is poised to deliver tangible benefits for business travelers and the broader economy. Enhanced air links to Dubai—one of the world’s leading commercial and logistics hubs—will improve access to important Asian markets and help strengthen international trade and investment ties. This is particularly relevant as African economies continue to diversify and seek new partnerships beyond traditional markets.

Emirates’ commitment to the South African market is further underscored by its growing weekly schedule. With the addition of this new frequency, the airline will operate up to 56 direct flights per week between South Africa and Dubai, spanning Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban. This extensive network not only supports the needs of travelers but also reinforces South Africa’s position as a key aviation hub for the continent.

The timing of the new flight is also designed to maximize connectivity. The evening departure from Cape Town aligns with Emirates’ global network, offering excellent onward connections to destinations across Asia, Europe, and the Americas. For African travelers, this means shorter layovers, more convenient schedules, and access to a wider range of international destinations—all on a single ticket with seamless baggage transfers.

Industry observers note that the expansion is a direct response to evolving travel patterns and the growing importance of Africa as both a source and destination market. The past year has seen a marked increase in demand for premium and economy travel, driven by a combination of pent-up leisure demand, business recovery, and the rise of new travel segments such as meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE).

Emirates’ decision to deploy the Boeing 777 on the new service also reflects a commitment to quality and consistency. The aircraft is renowned for its comfort, reliability, and advanced onboard amenities, ensuring that passengers enjoy a world-class experience whether traveling for business or pleasure. The airline’s focus on product excellence is a key differentiator in a competitive market, helping to attract discerning travelers from across the region.

For African travel professionals, the expanded schedule opens up new avenues for business development. The ability to offer clients more frequent departures, greater seat availability, and improved connectivity to global destinations is a powerful tool in a market where flexibility and choice are increasingly valued. The move also supports the broader trend towards integrated travel solutions, with airlines, airports, and tourism partners working together to deliver seamless experiences for customers.

Looking ahead, the introduction of a third daily flight to Cape Town is expected to have a ripple effect across the African aviation ecosystem. Increased capacity will drive competition, encourage innovation, and support the development of new products and services tailored to the needs of African travelers. It also sends a strong signal to the global industry that Africa is open for business and ready to play a more prominent role in the future of international travel.

As the continent continues to recover and rebuild from recent challenges, strategic investments in air connectivity—such as Emirates’ latest expansion—will be critical to unlocking new growth opportunities. By strengthening links between Africa and the world, airlines are not only supporting tourism and trade but also helping to shape a more connected, prosperous, and resilient future for the region.

With the busy travel season on the horizon, Emirates’ third daily Cape Town flight stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of South Africa and the growing confidence in Africa’s aviation sector. For the industry’s stakeholders, the message is clear: the future of African air travel is bright, and the time to seize new opportunities is now.