Emirates expands Premium Economy service to more cities

Dubai: Emirates is expanding its popular Premium Economy service to 10 new cities and adding extra daily flights to Phuket, Cape Town and Copenhagen as summer travel demand builds.

The Dubai airline announced on Thursday that it would deploy its new A350s and retrofitted Boeing 777s across key routes in Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and North America, bringing its latest cabins to more travellers.

By 1 July 2026, Premium Economy will be available on more than 84 Emirates routes.

More flights to top spots

Emirates is adding capacity on three high-demand routes:

• Copenhagen: second daily flight from June 1

• Phuket: third daily flight from July 1

• Cape Town: third daily flight from July 1

All three will be operated by Emirates’ next-generation A350, featuring the latest Business, Premium Economy and Economy cabins.

Phuket and Cape Town are top leisure picks for UAE residents, while Copenhagen is a key gateway to Europe.

Emirates said the new schedules are designed for easy connections via Dubai to Asia, Europe, Africa and Australasia – cutting waiting times and improving travel flow.

The airline added that demand on the Cape Town route has been especially strong, with high load factors during peak periods.

More cities joining Premium Economy network

Emirates is also expanding Premium Economy on routes including:

• Europe and North America: Barcelona, Mexico City, Rome

• Asia: Cochin, Karachi, Taipei, Phuket

• Australia: Brisbane

• Africa: Addis Ababa, Cape Town

• Middle East: Basra, Kuwait City, Tehran

Aircraft upgrades may be brought forward as jets return from refurbishment. The expansion is in line with Emirates’ strategy to grow its premium offering as more travellers look for extra comfort on long-haul flights without paying Business Class fares.

The airline has invested billions of dollars in cabin upgrades, new aircraft and onboard services to meet rising demand, all done in-house.

Emirates’ Premium Economy has quickly become one of its most popular products, sitting between Economy and Business Class.

Passengers get wider seats and extra legroom, upgraded meals and amenities, more space and privacy, and a quieter, more relaxed cabin experience.

The airline has been rolling it out across A380S380s, Boeing 777s and now its new A350 fleet.