Cape Town – Emirates' (www.Emirates.com) third daily flight from Dubai to Cape Town landed at Cape Town International Airport at 18:05 yesterday, Wednesday 1 July 2026, with flight EK778 making its first arrival.
This also marks the debut of the company's next-generation Airbus A350 in South Africa.
The A350 (https://apo-opa.co/3ReSghd) is the latest aircraft type to join Emirates' entire widebody fleet, introducing a modern in-flight experience.
Our bright and airy cabins are thoughtfully designed to provide more space and comfort in every cabin, with cutting-edge technology and enhanced entertainment options to enhance every flight.
The introduction also increases access to the airline's award-winning premium economy cabin. This cabin was first introduced in South Africa in September 2025 and has proven consistently popular with travelers.
Afzal Parambil, Emirates Regional Manager for Southern Africa said: “Cape Town has been one of the most popular destinations in our Africa network for many years.
“The launch of our third daily service using our newest aircraft shows how much we believe in this market.
“The new flights give travelers more choice and easier connectivity to our global network through Dubai, and the A350 offers a modern passenger experience.
“We would like to thank the South African authorities for their partnership and support in securing this new service and look forward to welcoming passengers on board.”
This new flight will enhance connectivity for South African travelers, offering more choice and flexibility and improving access to Emirates' global network, particularly via Dubai to long-haul destinations in Western Asia, Australia and the Far East.
The launch of this new service also builds on an agreement signed in April 2026 between Emirates and Wesgro, the tourism, trade and investment promotion agency for Cape Town and the Western Cape.
The two organizations are working together to attract more visitors from key markets such as the Gulf, Far East and India.
Beyond Cape Town, Emirates will resume four daily flights to Johannesburg on 1 July 2026, increasing its weekly connections to Dubai from three South African gateways to 56 flights.
This deployment is further supported by the seasonal deployment of a second A380 service to Johannesburg.
EK761 and EK762 will now be operated on a fully refurbished A380 with a highly sought-after premium economy cabin and modern cabin interiors, enhancing Emirates' world-class service and increasing arrival and departure capacity at South Africa's largest and busiest international airport.
By increasing frequency, Emirates not only supports passenger traffic but also facilitates global trade.
Emirates SkyCargo optimizes the capacity of its Boeing 777s and A350s to lift critical goods such as fresh fruit and vegetables, chilled meat, dairy products, seafood and fresh cut flowers from South Africa and transport them around the world, as well as daily flights from Durban, quickly, reliably and efficiently connecting South African businesses with customers around the world.
For more information or to book tickets, please visit www.Emirates.com. Tickets can also be booked through the Emirates app, Emirates Retail Stores, Emirates Contact Centers or travel agents.
