Emirates and Dilmah Tea Celebrate 33-Year Partnership with Special In-Flight Gifts and Tea Pairings for International Tea Day
(IN SHORT) Emirates is celebrating International Tea Day on May 21 with Dilmah Tea, marking over 33 years of partnership. Passengers on flights over 2.5 hours will receive a special edition gift box featuring premium Dilmah teas, and Emirates Lounges worldwide will offer tea cocktails and mocktails. The airline has been serving Dilmah tea for decades, with a variety of blends available in all classes. This partnership supports the ethical production of tea in Sri Lanka, benefiting local communities through the MJF Charitable Foundation.
(PRESS RELEASE) DUBAI, 2025-May-20 — /Travel PR News/ — Emirates is partnering with Dilmah Tea to celebrate International Tea Day on May 21, marking a special moment in their 33-year collaboration. To honor this long-standing partnership, Emirates will present all passengers on flights over 2.5 hours with a complimentary gift box containing a selection of Dilmah’s finest artisan teas. The airline will also serve Dilmah-crafted tea cocktails and mocktails across its global lounges, alongside traditional teas paired with sweet treats.
In-flight, passengers in all classes will receive a special edition gift box featuring three of Dilmah’s most popular teas: the Emirates Signature Tea, Dombagastalawa FBOP1 infused with rose, almond, and ginger; Moroccan Mint Green Tea, known for its calming effects; and Ceylon Tea with strawberry, which evokes a sense of joy. Additionally, Emirates Lounges worldwide will offer First and Business Class passengers crafted tea cocktails and mocktails, paired with delicious desserts. In Dubai, an exclusive Dilmah Elixir mocktail and cocktail will be served alongside coconut vanilla cake, lemon cake, and apple tart. Between May 15 and May 31, passengers flying from Dubai to the UK will also enjoy expert tea pairing tips from Emirates’ cabin crew during their Afternoon Tea service in First and Business Class.
Emirates brews over 33 million cups of tea annually, offering a wide selection to its passengers, both in-flight and in its airport lounges. In First Class, Emirates serves an exquisite range of six Dilmah blends, including Original Earl Grey, Pure Chamomile Flowers, Sencha Green Extra Special, and Brilliant Breakfast, the most popular tea choice. Moroccan Mint Green Tea and the Signature Dombagastalawa Estate Ceylon FBOP1 blend are also served, with added safflower, marigold flowers, rose, ginger, and almond for enhanced flavor.
Business Class passengers enjoy five luxurious leaf teas, such as Earl Grey, Ceylon, Pure Chamomile Flowers, Green Tea Natural, and Green Tea Moroccan Mint. Premium Economy and Economy Class customers can savor Ceylon or Natural Green Tea.
Emirates cabin crew receive comprehensive training in the art of tea brewing, ensuring each cup is brewed to perfection and paired thoughtfully with a variety of dishes. Crew members are taught about the sustainable origins of Dilmah tea, how to enhance flavors with fresh mint, honey, and lemon, and how to suggest perfect pairings such as green tea with seafood or floral teas like Chamomile with citrus-flavored dishes like Emirates’ vegan zucchini tart.
The United Nations’ declaration of May 21 as International Tea Day highlights the global importance of tea, focusing on sustainable development, rural communities, and the tea value chain. Emirates’ partnership with Dilmah contributes significantly to the Sri Lankan economy, particularly its plantation industry and local communities, raising awareness of tea’s vital role in the global market.
Emirates’ long-standing partnership with Dilmah Tea, founded in the early 1980s by Merrill J. Fernando, has provided ethical, high-quality tea to passengers worldwide. Dilmah is recognized for its commitment to preserving the natural goodness of Ceylon Tea, which is grown in Sri Lanka’s highlands. The tea’s unique flavors are a result of the lush, biodiverse environment surrounding the plantations.
The legacy of Dilmah’s founder lives on through his sons, Dilhan and Malik, who continue to share their father’s vision of offering “cups of kindness” around the world. The partnership also supports Dilmah’s MJF Charitable Foundation, which helps provide nutrition, education, and vocational training to disadvantaged communities in Sri Lanka.
Media contact:
Email: pr@emirates.com
SOURCE: The Emirates Group
