Winter boost: Emirates increases flights to Milan, Rio and Buenos Aires
A380 services upgraded for Shanghai, Singapore and Zurich routes
DUBAI: UAE’s flag-carrier Emirates is taking its onboard experience to new heights this winter with an expanded schedule and the deployment of more retrofitted aircraft.
The airline is intensifying operations to key global destinations including Milan, Rio de Janeiro, and Buenos Aires, while also upgrading services to Shanghai, Singapore and Zurich with its flagship Airbus A380s.
These enhancements, effective from 26 October 2025, respond directly to a surge in travel demand and are part of Emirates’ ongoing retrofit programme. Launched in November 2022, the initiative has already seen 60 aircraft – including Boeing 777s and A380s – undergo a full nose-to-tail refresh. One aircraft is retrofitted every three weeks, ensuring passengers enjoy state-of-the-art features across all classes, particularly the increasingly popular Premium Economy cabin.
Expanded winter schedule
Travellers to Milan can look forward to a third daily flight, EK 101/102, operated with a Boeing 777-300ER. Meanwhile, Emirates' linked services to Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires, EK247/248, will be upgraded to daily frequency, improving connectivity between South America and the Middle East.
Shanghai is also seeing a dual enhancement: from 20 July, the EK302/303 service will be operated by an A380, while the second daily route, EK304/305, will be served by a retrofitted Boeing 777. The third daily service between Dubai and Singapore, EK314/315, will also be upgraded to an A380 this winter.
Premium experience enhancements
Passengers on Emirates’ A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft can now experience the Premium Economy cabin, located at the front of the main deck on four-class A380s. This cabin offers 56 seats in a 2-4-2 layout, featuring generous legroom, wider seats, in-seat charging, and a side cocktail table for added convenience.
From 1 February 2026, Zurich will see Emirates’ second daily flight, EK85/86, served by an A380, replacing the retrofitted Boeing 777. Additionally, Premium Economy will make its debut on flight EK87/88 with a retrofitted A380 on the same date.
Booking options available
Customers can book their flights via the official website, the Emirates App, in-store, or through travel agents. The four-class Emirates Boeing 777 features up to 8 First Class suites, up to 40 Business Class seats, 24 Premium Economy seats, and 256 in Economy. Emirates’ expanding global schedule and upgraded fleet continue to deliver a premium travel experience at scale.