Emirates will operate 14 additional flights between Dubai and Durban during December 2026 and January 2027 to meet increased demand during the festive season, offering passengers more options for holiday travel and family visits.
The airline announced on Tuesday that it would introduce a second daily service on the route from December 17 to 23, 2026, and January 2 to 8, 2027. The additional flights will be operated using a three-class Boeing 777 aircraft and will run alongside the airline’s existing daily services, EK775 and EK776.
The extra capacity is intended to accommodate passengers travelling during one of the busiest periods of the year, including those visiting South Africa during its summer holiday season.
The additional flight, EK2535, will depart Dubai at 4am and arrive in Durban at 10.30am. The return service, EK2536, will leave Durban at 12.15pm and reach Dubai at 10.30pm.
The increased frequency will also give passengers departing from Durban more opportunities to connect through Dubai to Emirates’ global network, which serves more than 140 destinations.
According to the airline, popular destinations for travellers from Durban during December include Dubai, Thailand, Indonesia, India, France and the United Kingdom. The additional flights are expected to provide greater flexibility for passengers connecting to these markets during the year-end holiday period.
Additional capacity for Durban tourism
Emirates said the extra services would also help support Durban’s tourism industry by improving international access to the South African coastal city.
Durban attracted 1.2 million visitors during the previous festive season, with its beaches, warm summer weather, cultural attractions and entertainment events drawing holidaymakers.
The airline expects the additional capacity to create more opportunities for visitors travelling from Europe and other Northern Hemisphere markets, where December and January fall during winter.
Travellers from countries including India, China, Indonesia and Mexico could also benefit from South Africa’s Electronic Travel Authorisation arrangements, according to Emirates.
Flexible booking and travel protection
The airline highlighted several booking options designed to help passengers manage changes to their travel plans. These include unlimited free date changes for tickets booked to Dubai across all cabin classes and one free date change for travel to other destinations on its network, subject to applicable conditions.
Passengers can also use Emirates’ Hold My Fare service to reserve a ticket price for 24 hours without an additional fee while finalising their arrangements. The airline said it was also offering reduced refund fees.
Travellers from South Africa and 26 other eligible countries can purchase Emirates’ Comprehensive Travel Cover through its website or Manage Your Booking service.
The policy includes worldwide medical coverage, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation and baggage protection. It also provides certain conflict-related benefits, including up to $25,000 in medical expenses and a free trip extension of up to 30 days, subject to policy terms.
Tickets for the additional Dubai-Durban services are available through the Emirates website, mobile application and travel agents.
