Emirates has announced it will add a fourth daily flight between Dubai and London Gatwick starting February 8, 2026, bringing its total daily flights to London to 12. This move aims to give travelers more flexibility and comfort, especially with the introduction of the new Airbus A350-900 on this route.
The new service, revealed on August 4, 2025, will help meet the growing demand for travel between the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪 and the United Kingdom 🇬🇧. Emirates’ latest Airbus A350-900 will operate the new flight, offering next-generation interiors and improved passenger amenities. The airline’s decision comes as more people from around the world, especially from China and India, choose to travel to the UK for business, tourism, and family visits.
Key Flight Details and Schedule
The new Emirates flight, EK069, will leave Dubai at 17:05 and arrive at London Gatwick at 20:50. The return flight, EK070, will depart London Gatwick at 23:55 and land in Dubai at 11:00 the next day. This schedule gives travelers more options, especially those who want to maximize their time in either city. The late-night departure from London Gatwick is ideal for business travelers who need a full day in London before flying out, and the early morning arrival in Dubai allows passengers to check into hotels or start their day right away.
Aircraft and Onboard Experience
The Airbus A350-900 used for this new service features a three-class layout:
– 32 lie-flat Business Class seats in a 1-2-1 arrangement for privacy and comfort
– 28 Premium Economy seats for extra space and upgraded service
– 238 Economy Class seats for affordable travel
Passengers in Business Class will enjoy wireless charging, while premium cabins feature electric window blinds decorated with the Emirates Ghaf tree design. All travelers can use digital inflight menus and the airline’s award-winning ICE entertainment system, which offers movies, music, and games. The A350-900 also provides a quieter cabin, better air quality, and improved lighting, making long flights more comfortable for everyone.
Booking and Travel Process
Travelers can book tickets for the new Emirates London Gatwick service through several channels:
– Emirates website (emirates.com)
– Emirates App
– Emirates retail stores
– Emirates contact centre
– Authorized travel agents
To book, simply check flight availability, select your preferred dates and class, and complete the booking online or through your chosen agent. Before traveling, review visa requirements for the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 and the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪. The UK government provides official visa information at gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration, which is helpful for travelers who need to apply for a visa before their trip.
Strategic and Economic Impact
With this new flight, Emirates will operate 12 daily flights to London across Gatwick, Heathrow, and Stansted. This expansion increases seat capacity on the Dubai-London Gatwick route by 30%. Emirates’ UK network will reach 140 weekly flights across eight cities, including Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, Glasgow, and Edinburgh. The airline uses a mix of Airbus A350-900, A380, and Boeing 777 aircraft to serve these routes.
Emirates reports a strong increase in premium bookings, especially from China and India. In the first half of 2025, first-class bookings from China rose by 27%, and from India by 17% compared to the previous year. This growth supports the UK’s tourism and business sectors, bringing more visitors and boosting local economies.
Jabr Al Azeeby, Emirates UK divisional vice president, said, “The UK is a key part of our global network. Our partnership with VisitBritain helps us bring more tourists to the UK and support local jobs.” Patricia Yates, chief executive of VisitBritain, added, “Expanding airline routes and seat capacity to regional gateways is vital for supporting jobs and local economies.”
Benefits for Travelers and Communities
The new Emirates service offers several advantages:
– More departure choices: The late-night flight from London Gatwick lets travelers spend a full day in the city before leaving.
– Better connections: The early arrival in Dubai is perfect for hotel check-in or starting business meetings.
– Premium experience: The Airbus A350-900 provides a quieter, more comfortable cabin with advanced entertainment and seating options.
These improvements make travel easier for families, business travelers, students, and tourists. The extra flights also help people visit relatives, attend important events, or explore new opportunities in both the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 and the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪.
Background and Context
Emirates has been rebuilding and expanding its UK operations after the pandemic, responding to strong demand from both business and leisure travelers. The airline’s partnership with VisitBritain and focus on premium markets, especially from China, India, and Australia, is part of a larger plan to attract high-value visitors and help the UK reach its goal of 50 million international visitors each year by 2030.
The use of the Airbus A350-900 also shows Emirates’ commitment to sustainability and passenger comfort. The aircraft is more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly, which aligns with industry trends and growing concerns about climate change.
Looking Ahead
The new London Gatwick service is part of Emirates’ broader plan to modernize its fleet and expand its global reach. The airline plans to introduce the Airbus A350-900 on other routes as demand grows. Further increases in capacity or new routes may be announced, especially as more travelers from emerging markets choose to fly with Emirates.
The UK government and tourism authorities are expected to keep supporting airline expansions to meet their ambitious visitor and economic growth targets. As reported by VisaVerge.com, these developments are likely to benefit not only travelers but also businesses, local communities, and the wider economy.
Step-by-Step Guide for Booking and Travel
- Check availability: Visit emirates.com or use the Emirates App to view flight schedules and seat options for the new London Gatwick service.
- Book tickets: Complete your booking online, through the app, or with a travel agent.
- Prepare for travel: Review visa requirements, baggage rules, and travel advisories for both the UK and UAE. Use the official UK government site for visa information.
- Check-in: Use online check-in or airport kiosks. Premium passengers have access to dedicated check-in and lounges.
- Enjoy your flight: Take advantage of the new Airbus A350-900 features, including comfortable seating, advanced entertainment, and improved onboard services.
This expansion by Emirates strengthens its position as a leading airline between the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 and the Middle East, offering more choices, better comfort, and greater economic benefits for everyone involved.
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