Emirates has restored operations to approximately 93% of its pre-disruption capacity, as winter travel bookings gain traction following a challenging period for carriers navigating airspace restrictions in the Middle East.
The Dubai-based airline transported over 8.6 million passengers during July and August, noting that summer demand surpassed initial projections, with positive momentum extending into the upcoming winter season.
Winter bookings are showing strong growth, Emirates reported, although many travelers continue to finalize plans closer to their departure dates. Demand is particularly robust across key markets such as South Africa, Brazil, India, Portugal, and Saudi Arabia, all of which currently outpace last year’s figures.
To meet rising demand, Emirates is expanding its global footprint through new routes and updated aircraft deployments. The carrier recently introduced daily flights to Helsinki and intends to launch additional dual-daily services to Accra, Tokyo Narita, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hanoi. Beginning in late October, the airline will also introduce the Airbus A350 to routes serving Larnaca, Malta, Nairobi, and Hamburg, with Mauritius scheduled for November.
From November 1, the A350 will commence service on U.S. routes, taking over Emirates’ daily Orlando flight previously operated by the Boeing 777.
New Daily Connection to Helsinki
Emirates landed in Helsinki for the first time on October 2, initiating a daily, year-round service connecting Dubai and the Finnish capital. The route joins existing Nordic destinations including Copenhagen, Oslo, and Stockholm within Emirates’ international network.
Operated with an A350, Flight EK167 departs Dubai at 8:15 a.m. local time, arriving in Helsinki at 2:30 p.m. The return journey, EK168, leaves Helsinki at 4:20 p.m. and touches down in Dubai at 12:20 a.m. the next day.
This new service provides a continuous direct link between Dubai and Helsinki throughout the winter months. Notably, Finnair announced the cancellation of its flights on this corridor from October 25, 2026, to March 27, 2027, due to ongoing instability in the Middle East. Emirates first disclosed its Helsinki plans in January, well before Finnair confirmed the suspension in August.
“Helsinki strengthens our global connectivity portfolio, offering seamless access between Finland, Dubai, and our broader international network all year round,” said Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, following the maiden flight. He added, “Helsinki serves as both a gateway to Finnish culture and natural beauty and a strategic hub for business and leisure travelers exploring the region.”
Rising Interest in Winter Getaways
The new Dubai-to-Helsinki service enhances travel options to the Finnish capital and onward destinations like Lapland. It aligns with increasing enthusiasm among UAE residents for winter holiday experiences, as highlighted by dnata—a core member of the Emirates Group.
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At the Arabian Travel Market in September, dnata Group CEO Nabil Sultan Al Murr spoke to Euronews Travel about shifting consumer preferences driving winter travel trends.
“Skiing is no longer niche—it’s become a major draw for travelers, something we’ve seen surge dramatically over the past few years,” he noted.
In response, dnata recently rolled out a curated winter program featuring nearly a dozen ski destinations. The company is also expanding beyond traditional snow-based holidays to include experiences such as aurora viewing and other seasonal attractions.
“We’re introducing fresh offerings and immersive experiences tailored to evolving traveler interests,” Al Murr added. “These initiatives reflect our commitment to staying ahead of market trends and enhancing the overall journey experience.”
