Emirates launches third daily Cape Town flight from Dubai as A350 makes South Africa debut
Johannesburg network expands with additional daily flight
DUBAI – Emirates has expanded its South African operations with the launch of a third daily service between Dubai and Cape Town, while introducing its newest Airbus A350 aircraft to the country for the first time.
Flight EK778 touched down at Cape Town International Airport at 6.05pm yesterday, marking a significant milestone for both the airline and South Africa's aviation sector. The move comes as Emirates continues to increase capacity across its Southern African network amid growing demand for travel.
The new route is operated by the airline's next-generation Airbus A350, making South Africa the latest destination to welcome the aircraft into Emirates' all-widebody fleet.
Dubai-Cape Town flights
The additional daily frequency gives travellers greater flexibility when flying between Cape Town and Dubai, while also improving onward connections to destinations across Emirates' global network. The expanded schedule is expected to strengthen links with key markets in West Asia, Australasia and the Far East through the airline's Dubai hub.
The Airbus A350 introduces Emirates' latest onboard experience, featuring redesigned cabins with more spacious interiors, upgraded technology and enhanced inflight entertainment. The aircraft also expands access to the airline's Premium Economy cabin, which was introduced in South Africa in September 2025 and has remained popular with passengers.
Afzal Parambil, Emirates' Regional Manager for Southern Africa, said Cape Town has consistently been one of the airline's strongest destinations across its African network. He added that the third daily service reflects Emirates' confidence in the market by offering customers more travel choices and easier connections through Dubai, while bringing its newest passenger experience to South Africa.
He also thanked South African authorities for their support in securing the additional service.
Emirates in South Africa
The new Cape Town flight also supports the partnership signed in April 2026 between Emirates and Wesgro, the tourism, trade and investment promotion agency for Cape Town and the Western Cape.
Under the agreement, both organisations are working together to attract more visitors from strategic markets, including the Gulf region, the Far East and India. The additional daily service is expected to provide greater accessibility for international visitors travelling to the Western Cape.
Beyond Cape Town, Emirates has also strengthened its South African network by reinstating its fourth daily Johannesburg service from 1st July 2026.
With the latest additions, the airline now operates a consistent schedule of 56 weekly flights between South Africa and Dubai from its three gateways: Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban.
Johannesburg has also received extra capacity through the seasonal deployment of a second Airbus A380. Flights EK761 and EK762 are now operated by a fully retrofitted A380 featuring Emirates' latest cabin interiors, including its Premium Economy cabin.
The network expansion extends beyond passenger travel. Emirates said the increased frequencies and additional aircraft also enhance cargo capacity through Emirates SkyCargo. Belly-hold space aboard the Boeing 777, Airbus A350 and daily Durban services enables the airline to transport South African exports including fresh fruit and vegetables, chilled meat, dairy products, seafood and fresh-cut flowers to international markets.
The expanded cargo network supports faster and more reliable trade links, helping South African businesses connect with customers across Emirates' global network while strengthening commercial ties between the country and destinations served through Dubai.