Passengers flying with Emirates today are in for a surprise treat. To mark International Tea Day on Wednesday, May 21, the airline is offering a complimentary gift box of premium tea on all flights longer than 2.5 hours. This one-day-only initiative celebrates not just the global love for tea, but also Emirates’ 33-year partnership with Dilmah, one of the world’s most respected tea brands.
In a year where travel experiences are becoming more personalized and premium, this thoughtful gesture adds a touch of luxury to every cup in the sky.
A 33-Year Partnership That’s Brewed to Perfection
Since 1992, Emirates has served millions of passengers with Dilmah Tea, building one of the longest-standing tea partnerships in aviation history. According to the airline, it pours over 33 million cups of tea annually—a figure that speaks volumes about its commitment to quality and consistency.
Dilmah, known for its ethical sourcing and artisanal blends, plays a key role in the airline’s onboard offerings. From first-class tea services to business-class brews, the collaboration ensures that tea isn’t just a beverage—it’s part of the journey.
Today’s gift box is a celebration of that legacy.
What’s Inside the Emirates International Tea Day Gift Box?
All eligible passengers—on flights over 2.5 hours—will receive a limited-edition tea gift box, which includes:
- Emirates Signature Tea: Dombagastalawa FBOP1, delicately scented with rose, almond, and ginger.
- Moroccan Mint Green Tea: A refreshing blend with cooling notes, perfect for digestion and relaxation.
- Ceylon Tea with Strawberry: A sweet, fruity take on traditional black tea, great for a midday lift.
Each blend reflects the airline’s focus on luxury and regional flavor preferences. The packaging is elegant, making it a great memento for tea lovers and travelers alike.
Premium Experience Beyond the Economy Cabin
While all passengers on qualifying flights receive the tea box, those flying First and Business Class are in for a more immersive experience. Emirates lounges around the world are serving mixed drinks and mocktails crafted using Dilmah Tea exclusively for the day.
Moreover, on First and Business Class flights to the UK, passengers can enjoy a curated afternoon tea experience complete with tea and food pairing tips from the cabin crew.
Some pairing recommendations shared by Emirates include:
- Green Tea with sushi, seafood, or soft cheeses
- Black Tea with beef, game meats, hard cheeses, or desserts
- Chamomile or Floral Teas with citrus-based or tart-flavored dishes like Emirates’ vegan zucchini tart
These small touches elevate the in-flight dining experience, reinforcing Emirates’ reputation for luxury service in the air.
The Art of Tea Service in the Sky
Serving tea at cruising altitude isn’t as simple as it sounds. Emirates cabin crew receive specialized training to brew the perfect cup at 30,000 feet—where water boils at a lower temperature and flavors can become muted.
Crew members are also taught how to enhance the tea experience with fresh ingredients like mint, lemon, or honey, depending on the blend and the passenger’s preference. This attention to detail ensures that each sip delivers maximum flavor, aroma, and comfort.
For Emirates, this isn’t just about offering a hot drink—it’s about crafting moments of calm, elegance, and personal attention, even mid-flight.
What’s on the In-Flight Tea Menu?
The tea experience on Emirates flights varies depending on the travel class—but across the board, it’s curated with care.
First Class
Passengers in First Class are offered a daily rotating selection of six premium teas, including:
- Earl Grey
- Pure Chamomile Flowers
- Breakfast Tea
- Sencha Green Extra Special
- Moroccan Mint Green Tea
- Emirates Signature Tea (Dombagastalawa FBOP1 with rose, almond, and ginger)
This variety allows travelers to choose a brew that suits their mood or meal—whether it’s a bold black tea to accompany dessert or a calming chamomile before bedtime.
Business Class
Business Class guests can select from five luxury leaf teas, such as:
- Earl Grey
- Ceylon Tea
- Pure Chamomile Flowers
- Natural Green Tea
- Moroccan Mint Green Tea
While the list is slightly shorter, the same commitment to quality and flavor holds true, ensuring a refined onboard experience.
Premium Economy and Economy
Passengers in Premium Economy and Economy aren’t left out of the tea moment. They can choose between:
- Ceylon Tea
- Natural Green Tea
Even with fewer choices, the emphasis remains on high-quality, ethically sourced leaves that deliver a soothing experience.
More Than Just a Cup—It’s a Story in Every Sip
For Emirates, this campaign is more than a nod to International Tea Day—it’s a chance to tell the story of how something as simple as a cup of tea can carry cultural meaning, comfort, and craftsmanship.
The airline’s long-standing collaboration with Dilmah highlights a shared commitment to quality, heritage, and hospitality. It’s also a reflection of how airlines are using thoughtful experiences to engage travelers and create memorable journeys in increasingly competitive skies.
Whether you’re sipping on floral black tea with hints of rose and ginger or relaxing with minty green tea while watching a movie, this gift is Emirates’ way of saying: enjoy the moment.
International Tea Day: A Gift That Travels Well
As tea lovers around the world mark International Tea Day, Emirates has turned a simple gesture into a memorable inflight experience. The special gift box not only celebrates its decades-long partnership with Dilmah but also reaffirms the airline’s commitment to comfort and culture at altitude.
From the lounge to the cabin, tea service on Emirates is brewed with care and purpose. And for those lucky enough to fly today, a little taste of luxury comes neatly packed in a limited-edition box.
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