Emirates, the renowned Gulf carrier, has announced a record-breaking summer season, transporting more than 14 million passengers and achieving an average seat load factor of over 80% across its global network from June to August.
The airline’s forward booking trends indicate a consistent and growing demand for international travel, reflecting strong consumer interest in exploring global destinations.
Emirates’ hub in Dubai remained a favored destination, attracting two million passengers during the summer period. Among the top inbound markets to Dubai were the UK, India, Germany, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, China, Egypt, and Kuwait.
Emirates notably reintroduced daily Airbus A380 superjumbo services to Birmingham, Nice, Taipei, and Shanghai, enhancing its capacity and offering an improved travel experience for passengers.
Around 35% of the visitors flying with Emirates to Dubai during this period were families, with an average stay of more than two weeks.
Over the summer, the airline operated close to 50,000 flights connecting 140 cities, facilitating seamless travel for the over 14 million passengers who chose Emirates for their journeys.
As the winter approaches, Dubai anticipates another surge in travel demand due to its vibrant calendar of global conferences and sporting events. The city has already attracted more than 8.5 million international visitors in the first half of 2023, marking a significant increase of over a million visitors compared to the previous year.
Adnan Kazim, Emirates Chief Commercial Officer, emphasized the strong and resilient travel demand across their network, even in the face of rising cost-of-living pressures in various markets. He highlighted the inherent value people place on travel for diverse purposes, underlining the essential role of international air connectivity in communities.
Kazim noted, “Emirates will continue to ensure we are delivering the best value for money to our customers, by investing in our products, services, and in operating an efficient global network.” The airline’s dedication to enhancing its offerings and maintaining customer satisfaction remains a core focus in an evolving travel landscape.