Emirates cabin crew standing in the Premium Economy cabin
(IN SHORT) Emirates has introduced a third daily service between Dubai and Cape Town, with flight EK778 arriving at Cape Town International Airport on 1 July 2026 as the airline’s Airbus A350 made its first appearance in South Africa. The new service expands travel options between Cape Town and Emirates’ Dubai hub, improving access to long-haul destinations in West Asia, Australasia and the Far East while also increasing availability of the airline’s Premium Economy cabin. The launch follows Emirates’ April 2026 agreement with Wesgro to attract more visitors to Cape Town and the Western Cape from markets including the Gulf, India and the Far East. Emirates has also reinstated a fourth daily Johannesburg service, bringing its South Africa schedule to 56 weekly flights from Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban, while additional passenger and cargo capacity is expected to support tourism, trade and the export of South African products.
(PRESS RELEASE) CAPE TOWN, South Africa, 2026-Jul-2 — /Travel PR News/ — Emirates has expanded its South African operations with the launch of a third daily flight between Dubai and Cape Town, introducing its Airbus A350 to the country for the first time.
Flight EK778 arrived at Cape Town International Airport at 18:05 on 1 July 2026, marking the start of the additional Dubai–Cape Town service.
The new route frequency is operated with Emirates’ Airbus A350, the latest aircraft type to join the airline’s all-widebody fleet.
Emirates said the aircraft offers a redesigned cabin environment with more space and comfort across travel classes, as well as enhanced in-flight technology and entertainment options.
The deployment also expands access to Emirates’ Premium Economy cabin, which was introduced in South Africa in September 2025 and has since attracted continued demand from travellers.
Afzal Parambil, Emirates’ Regional Manager for Southern Africa, said Cape Town remains one of the airline’s most popular destinations on its African network.
He said the new third daily service gives travellers more flexibility and strengthens access to Emirates’ global network through Dubai.
The additional Cape Town flight is expected to improve connections for passengers travelling onward to destinations in West Asia, Australasia and the Far East.
The service also builds on an agreement signed in April 2026 between Emirates and Wesgro, the tourism, trade and investment promotion agency for Cape Town and the Western Cape.
Under the partnership, the organisations are working to attract visitors from markets including the Gulf region, India and the Far East.
Emirates has also restored its fourth daily service between Dubai and Johannesburg, effective from 1 July 2026.
With the added Cape Town and Johannesburg frequencies, the airline now operates 56 weekly flights between Dubai and its three South African gateways: Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban.
The Johannesburg operation is additionally supported by the seasonal deployment of a second Airbus A380 service.
Flights EK761 and EK762 are now operated using a fully retrofitted A380 fitted with Premium Economy seating and updated cabin interiors.
Emirates said the increase in frequencies also supports trade by expanding available cargo capacity.
Through Emirates SkyCargo, the airline transports South African exports including fresh fruit and vegetables, chilled meat, dairy products, seafood and cut flowers to international markets.
The carrier said the combination of Boeing 777, Airbus A350 and daily Durban services provides additional belly-hold capacity to help move goods efficiently through its Dubai hub.
Emirates said the expanded schedule reflects its continued investment in South Africa’s passenger and cargo connectivity, supporting tourism, trade and wider links between the country and global markets.
Media contact:
Email: pr@emirates.com
SOURCE: The Emirates Group
