Emirates Announces Return to Adelaide with Daily Services in October 2024
In a significant move towards restoring its Australian operations to full capacity, Emirates has announced the relaunch of its daily services between Adelaide, the capital of South Australia, and its Dubai hub, starting October 28, 2024. This development marks the completion of Emirates' efforts to reinstate its pre-pandemic service levels across Australia, reinforcing the airline's commitment to enhancing global connectivity and supporting the resurgence of international travel.
The resumption of the Adelaide route is poised to significantly boost travel options for passengers, offering seamless connections to over 140 destinations within Emirates' extensive global network. This service not only caters to the increasing demand for travel to and from South Australia but also provides passengers with unparalleled choice, flexibility, and connectivity options. Since its initial launch in 2012, the Adelaide service has been instrumental in facilitating travel for more than 165,000 passengers between Dubai and Adelaide in 2019 alone.
By December 1, 2024, with the additional reinstatement of its second daily service to Perth, Emirates will operate 77 weekly flights from Australia. This expansion allows the airline to transport 68,000 passengers per week, effectively returning to its operational capacity before the global pandemic struck.
The reintroduction of Emirates flights to Adelaide is anticipated to have a profound impact on South Australia's recovery from the pandemic. The South Australian Tourism Commission estimates that the daily direct non-stop flights will generate over $62 million annually in tourism expenditure and create more than 315 full-time equivalent jobs in the tourism sector. Additionally, each flight is expected to offer 14 tonnes of cargo space, facilitating significant trade growth opportunities between Dubai and Adelaide and contributing an estimated $98 million annually in freight exports.
Officials from South Australia, including Premier Peter Malinauskas and Minister for Tourism Zoe Bettison, have expressed their enthusiasm for the return of Emirates' services. They highlight the crucial role these flights play in driving economic growth, enhancing the state's accessibility to key markets, and bolstering the tourism industry.
Emirates' commitment to the Australian market is further evidenced by its comprehensive service offerings, including the operation of the Boeing 777-200LR aircraft on the Adelaide route. This service will provide 302 seats per flight, including 38 Business Class seats in a 2-2-2 configuration, thereby offering over 4,200 weekly seats between Dubai and Adelaide.
The relaunch of the Emirates Dubai-Adelaide service is a testament to the airline's dedication to providing superior travel experiences, connecting South Australia to key global markets, and supporting the regional economy. As Emirates looks forward to welcoming passengers on board in October 2024, this milestone signifies a new chapter in the airline's longstanding commitment to Australia, promising enhanced connectivity, tourism growth, and economic opportunities for the region.