Emirates is scheduled to operate additional flights between Dubai and Durban during the 2026–2027 festive season. The extra services are aimed at travellers visiting family, spending the holidays in South Africa or travelling to Dubai from Durban. The flights will supplement the airline’s existing daily service, subject to schedule confirmation.
- Route: Dubai International Airport (DXB) to King Shaka International Airport (DUR), Durban
- Airline: Emirates
- Additional flight dates: 18–23 December 2026 and 2–8 January 2027, subject to confirmation
- Who is affected: UAE residents, South African visitors and holiday travellers
- Travel impact: More scheduled flight options during the festive period
- What’s next: Check Emirates’ booking system for confirmed dates, fares and seat availability
Emirates is planning extra flights between Dubai and Durban for the festive season, with additional services scheduled for selected dates in December 2026 and January 2027. The move will give travellers between the UAE and South Africa more options during one of the busiest holiday periods of the year.
The additional flights are expected to operate alongside Emirates’ existing daily service on the route. Travellers heading home to South Africa, visiting relatives in Dubai or planning a holiday can check the airline’s booking system for available dates and fares.
The published schedule lists flights in both directions, with a Boeing 777-300ER planned for the additional services. However, travellers should confirm the final operating dates before making arrangements, as the December start date requires verification.
Emirates’ extra flight dates and timings
The additional services are scheduled to operate during two travel windows: the run-up to Christmas and the first week of January.
Here are the published timings for the extra flights:
| Route | Flight number | Departure | Arrival |
|---|---|---|---|
| Durban to Dubai | EK2536 | 12:15 pm | 10:30 pm |
| Dubai to Durban | EK2535 | 4 am | 10:30 am |
All times are local to the departure and arrival airports.
The December services are listed for 18–23 December 2026, while the January flights are scheduled for 2–8 January 2027. Passengers should check the final timetable for their chosen date before booking.
The additional service is planned to use a three-class Boeing 777-300ER. This aircraft operates across Emirates’ network and offers First Class, Business Class and Economy Class seating.
How the extra flights compare with Emirates’ daily service
Emirates already operates a daily connection between Dubai and Durban. Its published schedule lists flight EK775 departing Dubai at 10:15 am and flight EK776 departing Durban at 6:40 pm, with the Dubai-bound service arriving the following morning.
The seasonal additions introduce a different departure pattern. Travellers leaving Durban can consider a lunchtime departure instead of relying solely on the regular evening service. Those flying from Dubai to Durban also get an early-morning departure option.
The extra flights are temporary and apply only to the specified holiday dates. Emirates’ regular services are scheduled to continue, so passengers should compare both options when planning their journeys.
Flight timings can change, and the final schedule may differ from the published seasonal plan.
What travellers should know before booking
Anyone planning a festive-season trip between the UAE and South Africa should check a few details before confirming their travel arrangements.
Compare the available departure times. The additional flights offer alternatives to the existing daily schedule. Choosing between them will depend on hotel check-in times, airport transfers and onward travel plans.
Check the fare for the exact date. The extra services do not automatically mean cheaper tickets. Prices depend on availability, travel dates, cabin class and booking conditions.
Allow enough time for connections. Passengers travelling beyond Dubai or Durban should check the connection time between flights. They should also confirm whether their onward journey is on the same booking.
Verify the flight status before departure. Travellers should check their booking and Emirates’ flight information for any changes to departure times, aircraft or operating dates.
Emirates’ official website allows passengers to search for available flights, compare fares and book tickets directly.
Why It Matters
The additional Dubai–Durban flights give UAE residents more flexibility when planning trips to South Africa over Christmas and New Year. This is particularly useful for people arranging family visits, holiday breaks or journeys around fixed dates.
Travellers arriving in Dubai from Durban also gain another departure option during the seasonal travel period. For passengers with onward connections, the choice of departure time may help them plan their itinerary more conveniently.
The practical benefit is an expanded schedule on selected dates, rather than a permanent increase in daily flights. Travellers should confirm availability before making plans around the additional services.
FAQs
When will Emirates operate extra flights between Dubai and Durban?
The additional services are scheduled for 18–23 December 2026 and 2–8 January 2027. Travellers should confirm the final dates with Emirates before booking.
What time does the additional flight leave Dubai for Durban?
Flight EK2535 is scheduled to depart Dubai at 4 am and arrive in Durban at 10:30 am. Both times are local.
What time does the extra Durban-to-Dubai flight depart?
Flight EK2536 is scheduled to leave Durban at 12:15 pm and arrive in Dubai at 10:30 pm.
Will Emirates’ daily Dubai–Durban flights continue?
Yes. The additional services are intended to supplement the airline’s existing daily flights during the selected festive-season dates.
Where can passengers book the extra Emirates flights?
Passengers can visit Emirates’ official website to check fares, availability and confirmed schedules for their preferred travel dates.
What travellers should do next
Emirates’ planned seasonal flights offer another way to travel between Dubai and Durban during the festive period. Passengers should check the airline’s booking system for the confirmed timetable and available fares before finalising their plans.
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