Emirates is Expanding to London, Zurich, Barcelona, Mauritius, Tunis, Amman, Istanbul, Dammam, Ho Chi Minh City, Baghdad, and Oslo in 2026 – Here’s What You Need to Know!

Published on October 27, 2025

Emirates is set for significant expansion in 2026, introducing several new routes and fleet upgrades. Starting February 8, 2026, the airline will add a fourth daily flight from Dubai to London Gatwick, serviced by the modern Airbus A350-900. In Zurich, Emirates will deploy the A380 on its second daily flight, featuring Premium Economy from February 1, 2026. The airline will also boost its Barcelona service with a third daily flight from October 26, 2025, and increase its Mauritius frequency to three daily flights by December 1, 2025. The A350 will expand to Tunis, Amman, Istanbul, Dammam, Ho Chi Minh City, Baghdad, and Oslo. Additionally, the Boeing 777-200LR will serve new routes. These strategic expansions highlight Emirates’ commitment to enhancing its network and delivering a superior travel experience for passengers worldwide.

1. New Route: Dubai to London Gatwick

Emirates’ commitment to enhancing its presence in Europe continues with an exciting development for London Gatwick. Beginning February 8, 2026, Emirates will add a fourth daily flight from Dubai to London Gatwick. This expansion is part of the airline’s strategy to offer more options for travelers flying between the UAE and the UK.

The new route will be serviced by the Airbus A350-900, an aircraft renowned for its modern design and efficiency. The A350 will offer a premium experience across all cabins, including 32 lie-flat Business Class seats, 28 Premium Economy seats, and 238 Economy Class seats. This addition will not only increase the number of flights on the route but also provide more comfort and convenience for passengers traveling from one of Europe’s busiest airports.

2. Premium Economy Service and A380 Expansion in Zurich

Zurich, Switzerland, will also see significant changes with Emirates’ 2026 expansion. Starting February 1, 2026, the airline will introduce the Airbus A380 to its second daily flight to Zurich (EK 85/86), replacing the existing Boeing 777 aircraft. The iconic A380, known for its two-deck design, will now feature Emirates’ new Premium Economy cabin on flight EK 87/88, adding a more luxurious option for travelers on the route.

This expansion reflects Emirates’ continued investment in its premium product offerings, allowing passengers flying to and from Zurich the ability to experience the finest in air travel comfort. The A380 is set to become the backbone of Emirates’ long-haul services, and its deployment to Zurich underscores the growing demand for Emirates’ world-class service in Europe.

3. Barcelona Gets a Third Daily Flight

For passengers traveling to Barcelona, Emirates has announced the addition of a third daily flight to the Spanish city starting October 26, 2025. This move is designed to accommodate the growing demand for flights to this vibrant European destination.

With this added frequency, travelers will have even more flexibility when planning their trips to Barcelona, known for its cultural richness, Mediterranean beaches, and culinary delights. The new flight will provide enhanced connectivity between Dubai and Barcelona, making it easier for both business and leisure travelers to visit this exciting city.

4. Increased Services to Mauritius

Emirates is also expanding its services to the Indian Ocean with a third daily flight to Mauritius, effective December 1, 2025. The added frequency will increase the seat capacity by over 30%, making it easier for travelers to visit the beautiful island known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and luxury resorts.

Emirates’ Mauritius services have been popular among travelers from Europe, the Middle East, and beyond, and this expansion is aimed at catering to the growing demand for this tropical destination. With the increased frequency, passengers can enjoy more options for flying to Mauritius and experiencing the rich culture and natural beauty of the island.

5. Airbus A350 Network Expansion

Emirates is also expanding its fleet of Airbus A350s, a key part of its long-term strategy to modernize its operations and provide an exceptional experience for travelers. In 2026, the airline will roll out the A350 on several new routes, including Tunis, Amman, Istanbul, Dammam, Ho Chi Minh City, Baghdad, and Oslo.

The A350 is an advanced aircraft that combines cutting-edge technology with passenger comfort, offering a quieter cabin and better fuel efficiency. With A350s deployed on these new routes, passengers can expect smoother flights, greater comfort, and a more environmentally friendly travel experience.

6. Boeing 777-200LR Expansions

In addition to its new A350 routes, Emirates is also planning to expand its operations with the Boeing 777-200LR, a long-range aircraft that will serve several routes in 2026. Though specific destinations for the 777-200LR have not yet been finalized, the aircraft is expected to play a crucial role in Emirates’ expansion strategy, offering enhanced capacity and improved fuel efficiency on long-haul routes.

The Boeing 777-200LR is one of the most efficient aircraft in the Emirates fleet, capable of flying ultra-long-haul routes with reduced fuel consumption and noise levels, making it a perfect fit for Emirates’ growing network.

7. The Future of Emirates: A Strategic Expansion

Emirates’ strategic focus on expanding its route network and upgrading its fleet in 2026 shows the airline’s commitment to staying at the forefront of the aviation industry. Whether it’s through the introduction of new destinations like London Gatwick and Zurich, the expansion of services to popular locations like Mauritius and Barcelona, or the rollout of next-generation aircraft like the A350 and A380, Emirates is poised to deliver an enhanced travel experience to its global customer base.

As international travel continues to recover and demand grows, Emirates is positioning itself to not only maintain but strengthen its leadership in the global aviation market. With its world-class service, cutting-edge fleet, and continued network expansion, Emirates is set to become an even more dominant player in the aviation industry in 2026 and beyond.

Conclusion:

The 2026 expansion by Emirates promises exciting developments for global travelers, with new routes, upgraded aircraft, and more premium options. With the focus on enhancing both the passenger experience and route accessibility, Emirates is set to remain a leading force in the world of air travel. Whether you’re flying to London, Zurich, Mauritius, or one of the new destinations on the horizon, Emirates is committed to providing the best in luxury, comfort, and convenience for all travelers.