Dubai, 19 March - Emirates, the Dubai-based airline renowned for its luxurious service and expansive global network, has announced the addition of seven new destinations to be served by its state-of-the-art Airbus A350 aircraft. This expansion marks a significant step in the airline’s ongoing efforts to enhance its fleet and extend its reach, bringing its signature premium travel experience to more cities across the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia, and Europe. The deployment of the A350, a modern widebody jet known for its fuel efficiency and advanced passenger amenities, underscores Emirates’ commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction as it continues to recover and grow in the post-pandemic travel landscape.
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The new destinations include Tunis in Tunisia and Amman in Jordan, both set to welcome the A350 starting June 1, 2025. Tunis will see six weekly flights, operating every day except Tuesday, on flights EK 747 and EK 748, offering travelers a near-daily connection to Dubai and beyond. Amman, meanwhile, will benefit from daily service on flights EK 905 and EK 906, strengthening Emirates’ presence in the Levant region. Following these launches, Dammam in Saudi Arabia will join the A350 network on July 1, 2025, with daily flights EK 827 and EK 828, marking the first time this eastern Saudi city will experience the airline’s newest aircraft. On August 1, 2025, Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam will become the latest Southeast Asian destination to be served by the A350, with daily flights EK 364 and EK 365, catering to the growing demand for travel between Vietnam and the Middle East.
The expansion continues into August with Baghdad, Iraq, receiving A350 service starting August 3, 2025. The Iraqi capital will be connected three times weekly—on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Sundays—via flights EK 941 and EK 942, providing a vital link for both business and leisure travelers. Rounding out the new additions are Istanbul in Türkiye and Oslo in Norway, though specific start dates for these routes remain unconfirmed in some reports, with Oslo potentially launching as late as September 1, 2025. Istanbul’s inclusion enhances Emirates’ already robust Turkish network, while Oslo represents a strategic move to bolster connectivity in Northern Europe. Beyond these new destinations, Emirates is also enhancing existing routes with the A350. Kuwait will gain a second daily A350 flight, EK 857 and EK 858, starting October 1, 2025, doubling the aircraft’s presence in this Gulf market. Similarly, Bologna, Italy, originally scheduled for later deployment, will now see its first A350 service on June 1, 2025, a month ahead of previous plans, reflecting the airline’s agility in responding to demand. The A350 itself is a cornerstone of this expansion, featuring three cabin classes—32 Business Class lie-flat seats, 21 Premium Economy seats, and 259 spacious Economy Class seats—designed to elevate the onboard experience. With cutting-edge features like wireless charging in Business Class, electric window blinds, and 60-watt USB-C charging at every seat, the aircraft promises a blend of comfort and technology that aligns with Emirates’ reputation for excellence.
This expansion comes as Emirates continues to diversify its fleet, moving beyond its traditional reliance on the Airbus A380 and Boeing 777. The A350’s introduction, with three aircraft already delivered and 62 more on order as of early 2025, reflects a long-term strategy to modernize operations and improve fuel efficiency while meeting the needs of a broader range of routes. The airline’s investment in retrofitting older aircraft—now costing $5 billion for 220 planes—further demonstrates its dedication to maintaining a premium product across its network, even as it navigates delays in Boeing 777X deliveries. For passengers, this means more opportunities to experience Emirates’ renowned service, whether traveling to emerging markets like Baghdad or established hubs like Istanbul, all aboard one of the industry’s most advanced aircraft. As bookings for these routes open, travelers can secure their seats through emirates.com, the Emirates App, or trusted travel agents, signaling the start of a new chapter in the airline’s storied history.