Emirates 2025 Marks a Year of Record Growth, Innovation and Global Expansion
Emirates has closed 2025 on a high note, marking a year of growth, innovation and customer-focused initiatives that went far beyond its 40th anniversary in October. Over the year, the airline carried 55.6 million passengers, operated nearly 180,580 flights, and placed orders for 73 new aircraft, reinforcing its position as the world’s largest international airline.
The year began with the Emirates A350 entering commercial service, with its maiden flight to Edinburgh in January. The airline now operates 16 A350s across 18 cities, providing enhanced comfort across Europe, West Asia, the Middle East, Australia and soon, the Americas, with Montreal scheduled for February 2026.
Emirates also expanded its presence in Asia, launching new non-stop daily flights to Shenzhen and Hangzhou in China, as well as routes to Danang, Vietnam, and Siem Reap, Cambodia via Bangkok. This expansion reflects growing demand for business and leisure travel across East Asia and China.
Responding to strong customer demand, the airline continued rolling out its Premium Economy cabins on retrofitted Airbus A380s, Boeing 777s and next-generation A350s. By the end of 2025, over 100 aircraft serving nearly 70 cities feature the latest cabin interiors, representing around 40% of Emirates’ passenger fleet.
In November, Emirates announced the rollout of Starlink Wi-Fi across 232 aircraft, starting with Boeing 777s. By early 2026, Emirates will become the first airline in the world to equip A380s with Starlink, offering ultra-fast, complimentary internet across all cabin classes for streaming, work or browsing.
The airline strengthened its global visibility through sports sponsorships, securing nine major deals and renewals in 2025. These included a seven-year partnership with FC Bayern Munich, a historic extension with World Rugby through 2035, and a new agreement with European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR).
Emirates also renewed and expanded partnerships across football, basketball, tennis, cycling and motorsport, connecting with millions of sports fans worldwide.
Beyond passenger services, Emirates launched Emirates Courier Express, flying packages directly on passenger aircraft to reduce delivery times. The service now covers 10 international markets, including Australia and Germany, and has handled over 50,000 packages with an average delivery time of just three days.
The airline’s loyalty programme, Emirates Skywards, celebrated its 25th anniversary, reaching 37 million members worldwide. Over the last two decades, Skywards has distributed nearly 400 billion Miles, and continues to grow, adding 78,000 new members weekly and providing over 800 flight rewards daily.
Emirates’ CSR initiative, Aircrafted KIDS, distributed more than 3,700 handcrafted backpacks to underprivileged children across Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Made from upcycled aircraft materials, the backpacks were filled with essential stationery and locally sourced books, with the programme set to expand in 2026.
Emirates also became the world’s first Autism Certified Airline™, training over 30,000 staff to support passengers with autism and sensory sensitivities. The airline launched an Accessible & Inclusive Travel Hub, introduced travel rehearsal programmes across 17 cities, onboard sensory products, and accessibility-focused enhancements, including wheelchair-accessible chauffeur vehicles coming in 2026.
Throughout the year, Emirates continued to invest in its “Fly Better” promise, enhancing premium and family travel. Highlights included Emirates First, a private check-in facility at Terminal 3, Dubai International; refinements to First Class onboard dining and service; the Centre of Hospitality Excellence, training 25,000 cabin crew to Michelin-star standards; and new collectible children’s toys made with recycled content.
Emirates concluded 2025 with 25 international awards, including Best Airline in the World for the eighth consecutive year, Forbes Travel Guide’s Best International Airline and First Class, The Telegraph’s Best Long-Haul Airline, and Business Traveller Middle East’s Best Airline Worldwide for the 12th consecutive year. As the airline enters 2026, it remains focused on innovation, sustainability, and delivering an exceptional travel experience for all passengers.
