ATM 2025: Emirates and flydubai set new record with 5 million passengers
Strong demand boosts premium cabin travel, supporting Dubai’s D33 Vision
DUBAI: Emirates and flydubai have reached a significant milestone, collectively transporting over 5 million passengers across their joint network in the past year.
This achievement reflects a remarkable 36 percent growth in passenger numbers compared to the previous year. The airlines’ partnership, which began in 2017, continues to reshape air travel by offering unparalleled connectivity and flight options for passengers travelling to, from, and through Dubai.
The announcement comes as part of the 2025 Arabian Travel Market (ATM), the region’s leading travel and tourism event, which brings together industry professionals from around the world for four days in Dubai.
The partnership between Emirates and flydubai is a key example of how collaboration in the aviation industry can drive growth and foster global connectivity. The five million passengers flown represents a significant leap in their efforts to make Dubai one of the most connected cities in the world, aligning with the city’s ambitious D33 vision to become a global economic and tourism hub.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Group and Chairman of flydubai, said: "The Emirates and flydubai partnership has been a gamechanger for both carriers. It is a testament to collaborative excellence that has delivered more flight options and a better experience for travellers, underpinned by a vast network that connects every corner of the globe. I’m immensely proud of what has been achieved so far, and look forward to the next phase of growth and impact that both Emirates and flydubai will have on enhancing Dubai’s connectivity and shaping the future of air travel across regions.”
Emirates and flydubai’s global reach
Emirates and flydubai’s combined network has grown from just 29 cities in 2017 to a vast 240 destinations across more than 100 countries. This joint effort has allowed both airlines to complement each other’s strengths – Emirates offering long-haul flights, while flydubai focuses on regional and underserved markets. With more than 295 codeshare flights each day, passengers now have access to an expanded choice of destinations, making travel from Dubai more seamless than ever before.
Flydubai operates more than 330 weekly flights from Dubai’s Terminal 3 to popular destinations such as Zanzibar, Kathmandu, Krabi, and Riyadh, while Emirates customers now have access to over 132 flydubai destinations. This collaboration provides customers with more flexibility in choosing their travel times and offers greater convenience, creating a truly integrated air travel experience.
Strengthening Dubai’s global connectivity
Emirates and flydubai’s partnership has played a crucial role in boosting Dubai’s position as a global transportation hub. Through this collaboration, the airlines have integrated their flight schedules, baggage handling, check-in processes, and airport services to provide a seamless journey for travellers. By operating from Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport, they offer convenient transfers, reducing wait times and enhancing the overall customer experience.
This synergy has also helped Dubai expand its global footprint, particularly in markets that were previously underserved by UAE-based airlines. Emirates and flydubai have enhanced connectivity to key regions in the Middle East, Central Asia, and South Asia, making Dubai the go-to gateway for passengers looking to explore the wider world.
Demand for premium services
The demand for Emirates and flydubai services has surged in recent years, with a particular increase in premium cabin bookings, which rose by 31%. This reflects the growing appeal of Dubai as a luxury travel destination, supported by the airlines' world-class services. Passengers now have even more reasons to choose Dubai as their transit hub, thanks to the high-quality services on offer from both Emirates and flydubai.
Emirates has also expanded its network in the past year, adding new flights to Bogotá, Colombia, and Antananarivo, Madagascar. Flydubai, on the other hand, has introduced 10 new destinations, including Antalya, Basel, and Al Alamein, in time for the summer season. The addition of these new routes aligns with the airlines’ broader strategy to provide travellers with even more options, enhancing Dubai’s connectivity with regions around the world.
Loyalty and customer benefits
One of the standout features of the Emirates-flydubai partnership is the seamless integration of their loyalty programme, Emirates Skywards. With more than 35 million members worldwide, Skywards continues to offer members the ability to earn and redeem Miles on both Emirates and flydubai flights. This unified approach ensures that frequent travellers enjoy a consistent and rewarding experience, regardless of which airline they choose.
The Emirates Skywards programme is particularly attractive for those flying frequently between the two carriers’ extensive networks. It allows members to accumulate and spend Miles across more than 240 destinations, providing rewards on a vast scale. This strong loyalty base continues to contribute to the success of both airlines, reinforcing their position as leaders in the travel industry.
Looking ahead
With new routes being launched regularly and ongoing innovations in customer experience, the future looks bright for the Emirates-flydubai partnership. The airlines are set to increase their global network, introduce more codeshare flights, and continue investing in customer services that further elevate the travel experience.
At ATM 2025, the Emirates and flydubai partnership has proven to be a key player in the continued success of UAE’s aviation industry. As the two carriers continue to grow and innovate, they are setting the stage for even greater achievements, strengthening Dubai’s position as the world’s premier travel hub.
Looking forward, both airlines have ambitious plans for further expansion.