Emirates has confirmed a major expansion to one of its busiest African routes, announcing a new third daily flight between Dubai and Cape Town. The move reflects the consistent and strong demand from both leisure and business travellers who regularly use this connection. As passenger volumes continue to grow, Emirates aims to offer more flexibility, improved travel options and smoother connections through its global network.
The new daily service is scheduled to begin in summer 2026 and will be operated with a Boeing 777 aircraft. With the addition of this third flight, Emirates strengthens its position as a global aviation leader while providing travellers from South Africa and the UAE with a more convenient and accessible travel experience.
Why Emirates Is Increasing Flights to Cape Town
The Dubai to Cape Town route has shown remarkable growth in recent years. Emirates’ existing double-daily service frequently operates with high seat occupancy, especially during peak travel periods. With tourism booming, business travel rising and more travellers from the Gulf choosing South Africa as a holiday destination, the demand has consistently exceeded supply.
Cape Town continues to stand out as a favourite international destination for travellers across the UAE and the wider GCC. The city offers an appealing mix of nature, culture, food and outdoor activities, making it a year-round hotspot for families, couples, business travellers and adventurers alike.
At the same time, outbound travel from Cape Town to Europe and the east coast of the United States remains strong. Emirates’ convenient flight timings and global network make it a preferred choice for travellers heading to major international cities. By adding a third flight, the airline aims to meet growing demand while enhancing overall travel comfort.
New Flight Timings Designed for Traveller Convenience
The new service will operate under flight numbers EK778 and EK779. This schedule is designed to give passengers more choices and better connectivity.
EK778 will depart Dubai International Airport at 10.25am GST and land in Cape Town at 6.05pm local time. This daytime departure offers a relaxed travel experience and an early-evening arrival that suits both business and leisure travellers. Passengers have enough time to settle into their accommodation, enjoy dinner or prepare for their next day in the city.
The return flight, EK779, will depart Cape Town at 8pm local time, arriving in Dubai at 7.25am the next morning. This overnight schedule is planned with convenience in mind, particularly for travellers wanting to maximise their time in Cape Town. The early morning arrival in Dubai also allows passengers to enjoy smooth onward connections to destinations throughout Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
Improved Global Connectivity for South African Travellers
With Emirates’ extensive international network, the new Cape Town flight strengthens connections to over 140 global destinations. The timing of the return flight enables travellers to link more efficiently to long-haul destinations that are popular among South African travellers, including Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, France, Switzerland and multiple cities across China.
For travellers booking multi-stop itineraries, this third daily flight makes it easier to plan trips without long layovers. It also offers travellers greater freedom to choose flight timings that suit their schedule and comfort preferences.
Enhanced Partnership with South African Airways
The announcement of the new daily flight also coincides with an expansion of codeshare collaboration between Emirates and South African Airways. The two airlines are moving toward a reciprocal agreement that allows both carriers to sell seats on each other’s flights. This development is especially significant ahead of the busy travel season, as it simplifies the booking process for travellers.
Under the codeshare, customers benefit from unified fares and seamless baggage transfers, making the journey smoother from start to finish. This partnership enhances the travel experience for both Emirates and South African Airways passengers, allowing greater flexibility and convenience when booking flights across both airlines’ networks.
The expanded agreement also opens more regional destinations within Africa for Emirates travellers. With connecting flights offered through South African Airways, passengers will have easier access to popular cities such as Accra, Dar es Salaam, Kinshasa, Abidjan, Harare, Lagos, Victoria Falls, Windhoek and Mauritius. This makes it easier for travellers to explore multiple destinations within Africa through one simplified itinerary.
Why Cape Town Continues to Attract GCC Travellers
For travellers from the UAE and neighbouring countries, Cape Town offers a refreshing change of scenery and a wide range of attractions. The city is renowned for its iconic Table Mountain, vibrant food culture, beautiful beaches and world-famous vineyards. It is also a destination that appeals during the GCC’s hot summer months, offering cooler temperatures and an abundance of outdoor activities.
Many travellers see Cape Town as an ideal long-haul holiday that is both relaxing and adventurous. Family travellers appreciate the range of activities, from wildlife encounters to scenic drives. Business travellers benefit from the city’s growing economy, modern infrastructure and international events. The additional Emirates flight will support rising travel demand across both segments.
Emirates’ Growing Footprint in Africa
The expansion of the Dubai–Cape Town route highlights Emirates’ long-term strategy in Africa. The continent remains an important aviation market, with strong tourism potential and increasing business opportunities. Emirates continues to strengthen its presence across Africa through new routes, increased frequencies and strategic partnerships.
By expanding flights and improving regional connectivity, Emirates supports tourism growth and trade between the UAE and African nations. The strengthened cooperation with South African Airways further boosts this vision by allowing more travellers to reach deeper destinations in Southern and Central Africa.
What This Expansion Means for Travellers
The introduction of a third daily flight brings several important advantages. Passengers gain more flexibility when choosing travel dates and times. Families, business travellers and tourists can select flight options that align with their schedules. The enhanced frequency also helps reduce congestion on popular travel days and increases seat availability during peak seasons.
The new flight timings also provide more efficient connections, particularly for long-haul travellers heading to Asia and Europe. Passengers flying in from Cape Town will arrive in Dubai in time to catch morning departures to major destinations, minimising wait times and improving travel comfort.
Additionally, the expanded codeshare agreement with South African Airways ensures a smoother end-to-end travel experience. Travellers booking multi-city itineraries within Africa can benefit from unified fares and easier baggage handling, reducing the stress of connecting flights across different airlines.
Looking Ahead
As Emirates prepares to launch this third daily flight in 2026, travellers can look forward to an even more convenient travel experience between Dubai and Cape Town. The new service strengthens connections between the two cities, enhances regional accessibility within Africa, and improves global connectivity for passengers flying onward from Dubai.
With rising demand for travel between these destinations, Emirates’ continued investment reflects its commitment to offering world-class service, expanded route options and a smoother journey for travellers across the globe.
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