Emirates has relaunched its daily service between Adelaide and Dubai, providing over 4,200 weekly seats on its Boeing 777-200LR.
This service was suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the return of this route brings the service back to pre-pandemic levels and highlights Emirates’ commitment to South Australia. The aircraft offers 38 Business Class seats in a 2-2-2 configuration and 264 Economy Class seats, capable of transporting over 220,400 passengers annually between Dubai and Adelaide.
The economic impact of Emirates’ daily service is projected to be substantial for South Australia. According to the South Australian Tourism Commission, this route is expected to generate more than $62 million annually in tourism expenditure and create over 315 full-time tourism-related jobs.
South Australia Premier Peter Malinauskas commented, “The return of Emirates’ daily service to Adelaide is significant for South Australia. This reconnection to Dubai and beyond will benefit our economy, creating jobs and new opportunities for trade and tourism. With an estimated $160 million annual economic impact, this service is a clear vote of confidence in South Australia’s future.”
Zoe Bettison, South Australian Minister for Tourism, echoed this sentiment, noting, “The daily return of Emirates makes South Australia even more appealing to key international markets, linking our state to over 140 destinations worldwide. Emirates’ return will be a major player in our efforts to grow the state’s international market, now valued at $1.3 billion annually.”
Nabil Sultan, Emirates’ Executive Vice President for Passenger Sales and Country Management, emphasized the airline’s long-standing commitment to Australia: “Australia remains a priority market for Emirates, with our Adelaide service reinforcing our commitment to expanding our Australian network. We’re grateful to the South Australian Tourism Commission and Adelaide Airport for supporting our return, which not only facilitates trade flows but offers South Australians access to seamless global connectivity.”
Brenton Cox, Adelaide Airport Managing Director, added, “Emirates’ extensive network enhances competition, customer choice, and vital links to Europe, Africa, and the U.S. East Coast. This service will draw international visitors to Adelaide, support our tourism economy, and create new export opportunities for local producers.”
Emirates’ flight EK440 departs Dubai at 02:00, arriving in Adelaide at 20:50, with the return flight EK441 departing Adelaide at 22:40, arriving in Dubai at 05:20 (all times local). This service is part of Emirates’ wider network of 70 weekly flights across five Australian cities, with plans to reinstate a second daily service to Perth on 1 December, bringing Emirates’ weekly capacity in Australia to 68,000 passengers, reaching pre-pandemic levels.
