
Photo courtesy: Emirates
Emirates has relaunched its daily service between Adelaide and Dubai, marking a significant milestone for both cities. The reinstated service, operated by a Boeing 777-200LR, offers over 4,200 weekly seats, reflecting Emirates’ commitment to South Australia and the growing travel demand in the region.
The Boeing 777-200LR features 302 seats across two cabins, 38 Business Class seats in a 2-2-2 configuration and 264 Economy Class seats. This service will enable more than 220,400 passengers to travel between Dubai and Adelaide annually, boosting connectivity and convenience for travellers.
Economic and Tourism Impact
The return of Emirates’ daily flights is expected to impact South Australia’s economy and tourism industry substantially. According to the South Australian Tourism Commission, tourism expenditures from these flights are projected to generate over $62 million per year and create more than 315 full-time equivalent tourism-related jobs.
Emirates SkyCargo will also be crucial in strengthening trade links between South Australia and key markets across the Middle East, Europe, and the USA. Each daily flight offers 14 tonnes of cargo space, totalling 196 tonnes weekly. Anticipated exports include seafood, meat products, fruits and vegetables, pharmaceuticals, machinery parts, retail garments, and electronics. The value of freight exports is estimated at $98 million per year, bringing the total economic impact of Emirates’ flights to Adelaide to $160 million.
Statements from Key Figures
South Australia Premier Peter Malinauskas highlighted the significance of Emirates’ return: “The return of Emirates’ daily service to Adelaide is significant for South Australia. We’re not just welcoming back a world-class airline; we’re re-opening South Australia’s doors to the world, showcasing our beautiful state to over 220,000 potential visitors each year.”
South Australian Minister for Tourism Zoe Bettison added, “Last night, we welcomed the first of the more than 220,000 Emirates passengers that are set to touch down in South Australia each year thanks to the daily return of this major international airline. South Australia is even more appealing to some of our key international markets, as Emirates eases the connection between our great state and over 140 destinations worldwide.”
Emirates’ Executive Vice President, Passenger Sales and Country Management, Nabil Sultan, emphasised the airline’s long-standing commitment to Australia: “Australia remains a priority market for Emirates and one that we have been deeply committed to for nearly three decades. The return of our Adelaide service reinforces our commitment to expanding our Australia network, which now offers 70 weekly services across five Australian cities.”
Enhanced Connectivity and Trade Opportunities
Adelaide Airport Managing Director Brenton Cox expressed enthusiasm about the reinstated service, noting, “Our customers will once again benefit from Emirates’ extensive global network, offering greater competition and customer choice, and connecting through Dubai to Europe, Africa and even the US East Coast. The service will also attract international visitors to Adelaide, be critical for our tourism economy, trade, and the broader economy, and open up export opportunities for our local producers.”
Flight Details
Emirates’ flight EK440 departs Dubai at 02:00 hrs and arrives in Adelaide at 20:50 hrs. The return flight EK441 takes off from Adelaide at 22:40 hrs and arrives in Dubai at 05:20 hrs. All times are local.
With the reinstatement of its Adelaide service, Emirates now operates 70 weekly services from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide, connecting passengers to over 140 destinations. Starting December 1, 2024, Emirates will also reinstate its second daily service to Perth, offering 77 weekly flights from Australia and returning to its pre-pandemic capacity.
Emirates’ return to Adelaide enhances travel options and underscores the airline’s dedication to supporting South Australia’s economic growth and global connectivity.