UAE-South Africa travel: Emirates plans third daily Cape Town service with Airbus A350 deployment
Enhanced connectivity expected across Middle East, Europe, Asia and Americas networks
DUBAI – Emirates is preparing to strengthen its South Africa operations with plans to introduce a third daily frequency to Cape Town, further expanding air connectivity between the UAE and one of Africa’s most in-demand destinations.
The additional service will be operated using the airline’s newest aircraft type, the Airbus A350, marking a significant capacity and product upgrade on the route.
The move comes amid sustained demand for travel between Dubai and Cape Town, with the city consistently ranking among the strongest-performing destinations on Emirates’ African network. The planned frequency increase is expected to offer greater flexibility for both leisure and business travellers, while also enhancing onward connectivity via Dubai to the airline’s wider global network.
Fleet expansion
The introduction of the Airbus A350 on the Cape Town route forms part of Emirates’ wider fleet strategy, which focuses on deploying next-generation aircraft across key international markets. The A350 is designed to offer improved fuel efficiency, reduced environmental impact, and enhanced passenger comfort compared to older-generation aircraft.
Onboard, the aircraft features upgraded cabin interiors, improved seat design and modern inflight technology aimed at elevating the overall travel experience across all classes. The deployment to Cape Town adds another premium option for passengers travelling between South Africa and the UAE, complementing existing services operated by the Airbus A380 and the Boeing 777.
South Africa remains the only African country in Emirates’ network served by all three aircraft types, underlining the strategic importance of the market to the airline’s long-haul operations and its continued investment in the region.
Emirates in South Africa
Emirates first launched flights to Cape Town in March 2008, building on its earlier Johannesburg service that began in 1995. Since then, the airline has steadily expanded capacity to meet growing demand, reinforcing Cape Town’s position as a key global tourism and business destination.
The planned third daily service is expected to further improve connectivity between South Africa and major international markets including the Middle East, Europe, Asia and the Americas, all accessible via Emirates’ hub in Dubai. This enhanced schedule is also likely to support increased inbound tourism flows into Cape Town, aligning with broader efforts to grow visitor numbers and strengthen the local tourism economy.
The additional frequency will also provide more options for cargo operations, with Emirates SkyCargo playing an important role in transporting South African exports such as fresh produce, seafood, dairy products and cut flowers to international markets within tight timeframes.
Tourism link
Cape Town continues to experience strong international demand, supported by its natural attractions, cultural heritage and established tourism infrastructure. The introduction of a third daily Emirates service is expected to support this momentum by improving seat availability during peak travel periods and expanding access from key source markets.
The move comes at a time when Cape Town International Airport is recording record passenger volumes, reflecting the city’s growing appeal as a long-haul destination. The expanded Emirates schedule is positioned to further integrate Cape Town into global travel flows through Dubai, reinforcing its role as a major gateway into South Africa.