Emirates has resumed its daily flights between Adelaide and Dubai, completing its post-pandemic network return in Australia.
Using its Boeing 777-200LR aircraft, Emirates now offers over 4,200 weekly seats – equal to more than 220,400 passengers annually – between South Australia and Dubai, opening up opportunities for tourism and trade in both directions.
The resumed Emirates service provides 302 seats in total, including 38 business class seats in a 2-2-2 configuration and 264 economy seats.
Flight EK440 departs Dubai at 2am and arrives in Adelaide at 8.50pm, with return flight EK441 departing Adelaide at 10.40pm and arriving in Dubai at 5.20am.
The airline currently operates 70 weekly flights from Australian cities and will add a second daily service to Perth starting 1 December, when it will return to full pre-pandemic capacity.
“We’re not just welcoming back a world-class airline; we’re re-opening South Australia’s doors to the world, showcasing our beautiful state to over 220,000 potential visitors each year,” South Australia Premier Peter Malinauskas said.
“This reconnection to Dubai and beyond will benefit our economy, creating jobs and opening up new opportunities for trade and tourism.
“This is a clear vote of confidence in South Australia’s future, and we’re ready to make the most of it.”
According to the South Australian Tourism Commission, Emirates’ daily flights could contribute over $62 million annually to the state’s economy.
“Last night we welcomed the first of the more than 220,000 Emirates passengers that are set to touch down in South Australia each year thanks to the daily return of this major international airline,” South Australian Minister for Tourism Zoe Bettison said.
“Now South Australia is even more appealing to some of our key international markets, as Emirates eases the connection between our great state and over 140 destinations worldwide.
“Emirates’ return will be a major player in our efforts to grow the state’s international market, which is currently worth $1.3 billion to South Australia’s visitor economy.”
Adelaide Airport Managing Director Brenton Cox added, “Our customers will once again benefit from Emirates’ extensive global network, offering greater competition and customer choice, and connecting through Dubai to Europe, Africa and even the US East Coast”.
“The service will also attract international visitors to Adelaide and be critical for our tourism economy, for trade and our broader economy, as well as opening up export opportunities for our local producers.”
Meanwhile, Emirates Executive Vice President Passenger Sales and Country Management Nabil Sultan said “Australia remains a priority market for Emirates”.
“The return of our Adelaide service reinforces our commitment to expanding our Australia network, which now offers 70 weekly services across five Australian cities,” he remarked.
“We extend our gratitude to the South Australian Tourism Commission and Adelaide Airport in assisting our return to the city.”
Aussies passing through Emirates’ hub, Dubai Airport, in the near future might also notice something different about DXB.
