Points Miles and Bling (blog) contains referral or affiliate links. The blog receives a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your continued support. Credit Card issuers are not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details, current product information, and Terms and Conditions, click the link included.
Following the recent announcement of Emirates bringing its Airbus A350-900 to Montreal Trudeau International Airport (YUL), the first in the Americas, the airline has now announced additional A350 routes to Rome (FCO) and Taipei (TPE), along with new frequencies to Copenhagen (CPH), Cape Town (CPT), and Phuket (HKT).
Over the past few years, Emirates has also steadily phased in a cabin renewal program by retrofitting its Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 fleets with updated interiors. Emirates confirmed that Premium Economy will launch in 10 new cities, expand to additional flights in two existing destinations, and be available across more than 84 routes by July 1, 2026. At the same time, the airline is increasing capacity on key leisure and mixed-traffic routes through additional daily frequencies operated by its A350 aircraft, bringing updated cabins to markets where demand is strongest heading into the summer travel season.
Europe & North America
| Route | Flight Numbers | Start Date | Aircraft | Cabin Configuration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DXB–BCN | EK187 / EK188 | 1 February | B777-300ER (retrofitted) | 4-class incl. Premium Economy |
| BCN–MEX | EK255 / EK256 | 15 February | B777-200LR (retrofitted) | 3-class incl. Premium Economy |
| DXB–FCO | EK099 / EK100 | 29 March | A350 | Premium Economy standard |
| DXB–CPH | EK153 / EK154 | 1 June | A350 | Additional daily service |
Asia
| Route | Flight Numbers | Start Date | Aircraft | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DXB–COK | EK530 / EK531 | 29 January | B777-200LR (retrofitted) | Thu & Sun services |
| DXB–KHI | EK606 / EK607 | 1 March | B777-200LR (retrofitted) | Daily |
| DXB–TPE | EK386 / EK387 | 15 March–30 April | B777-200LR (retrofitted) | Transitional period |
| DXB–TPE | EK386 / EK387 | From 1 May | A350 | Full A350 deployment |
| DXB–HKT | EK390 / EK391 | 1 July | A350 | Third daily service |
Australia
| Route | Flight Numbers | Start Date | Aircraft | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DXB–BNE | EK430 / EK431 | 29 March | B777-300ER (retrofitted) | Joins existing retrofitted A380 |
Africa
| Route | Flight Numbers | Start Date | Aircraft | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DXB–ADD | EK723 / EK724 | 1 March | B777-200LR (retrofitted) | Daily |
| DXB–CPT | EK778 / EK779 | 1 July | A350 | Third daily frequency |
Middle East
| Route | Flight Numbers | Start Date | Aircraft | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DXB–BSR | EK947 / EK948 | 29 January | B777-300ER (retrofitted) | Thursday service |
| DXB–KWI | EK859 / EK860 | 1 Feb–30 Apr | B777 (retrofitted) | Interim |
| DXB–KWI | EK859 / EK860 | From 1 May | A350 | Aircraft transition |
| DXB–IKA | EK979 / EK980 | 29 March | B777 (retrofitted) | Daily |
Takeaway
The A350 will feature three cabin configurations, with 32 Business Class seats in a 1-2-1 layout, 28 Premium Economy seats, and 238 Economy seats. No First Class. The premium cabin interior looks stunning, with soft cream leather seats and a wood-grain table.
By mid-2026, Premium Economy will be a familiar option across much of Emirates’ long-haul network rather than a product with limited availability.
Ek A350 Business Class 1-2-1 cabin
EK A350 Premium Economy 2-3-2 cabin
Image Credit: Emirates
