Seven years ago, Emirates and flydubai jointly embarked on a partnership that would give travelers extraordinary access to an unrivaled network, unlocking connections and opportunities, and shaping the future of travel from, to, and through Dubai. The UAE’s aviation sector has witnessed a notable surge in recent years with expansions to new destinations amid a surge in global tourism and the resurgence in travel demand.
UAE’s flourishing aviation sector
The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) expects passenger traffic to reach 140 million, reflecting the ongoing growth and competitiveness of UAE airlines. Official data indicates that UAE national carriers now serve approximately 606 destinations worldwide, including joint and cargo routes, marking a 3.4 percent increase from the 586 destinations served at the end of 2023. Emirates serves over 144 destinations of those destinations while flydubai serves 125 of them.
In the past year, Emirates has doubled the number of cities it offers beyond its network, unlocking travel opportunities to nearly 1,700 additional cities. This has enabled an average of over 61,000 passengers to seamlessly connect on the shared networks of Emirates and its partners every week.
By forging new partnerships and deepening existing ones across the transport ecosystem, the airline is delivering an array of additional travel choices alongside 31 codeshare, 118 interline, and 13 rail and helicopter services partners. Having 162 partners in over 100 countries means an expanded network reach with more and better connections for travelers.
Emirates and flydubai’s partnership
The partnership between Emirates and flydubai has offered travelers endless benefits. By joining forces, Emirates and flydubai offer customers access to a network of more than 225 unique destinations in more than 100 countries. Emirates customers can explore more than 118 flydubai destinations, while flydubai passengers can access more than 136 Emirates destinations. Top destinations for customers include Baku, Krabi, Naples, and Zanzibar.
275 daily codeshare flights
On average, customers can choose from 275 codeshare flights each day which means greater schedules and more flexibility when choosing departure times. Together, both airlines operated more than 1.5 million flights since 2017, carrying more than 19 million passengers across the joint network. That’s equal to the total population of both Paris and New York City.
Customers also continue to benefit from seamless on-ground experiences including a smooth check-in process, efficient baggage transfers, optimal flight schedules, and greater connectivity at Dubai Airports with access to Terminal 3.
Luxury services
flydubai operates more than 300 weekly flights that depart from Terminal 3 to popular destinations including Kathmandu, Krabi, and Zanzibar. flydubai’s business class passengers can also enjoy the new business class check-in area at Terminal 2 which offers a unique and smooth check-in experience with a personal meet and assist service, seated check-in, and a fast track service through passport control and security lanes.
Passengers also benefit from access to world-class airport lounges, including Emirates’ signature lounges in Terminal 3. Over the past seven years, more than 250,000 flydubai passengers have enjoyed access to Emirates’ lounges.
Loyalty program
Emirates Skywards, the loyalty program of Emirates and flydubai, continues to offer members one loyalty currency and fantastic rewards. More than two million unique members, from more than 190 countries continue to earn and redeem miles through the partnership.
All Platinum, Gold, and Silver Tier status members also enjoy additional perks including extra baggage allowance and priority check-in on Emirates and flydubai. The loyalty program also recently revised its Cash+Miles rates on flydubai flights – making redemptions even more appealing and allowing members to enjoy significant savings.
Read: How Dubai International Airport is beating climate change by cutting carbon emissions
Retrofit programs
Looking ahead, the two airlines remain committed to expanding the reach of their partnership and elevating the travel experience to and through Dubai. Emirates has expanded its retrofit program for a full nose-to-tail refresh of over 200 aircraft, including adding premium economy seats. Meanwhile, flydubai’s investments in a premium experience both in the air and on the ground continue at pace with 15 aircraft retrofitted this year as part of its own retrofit program in addition to the launch of its dedicated business class check-in area at Terminal 2.
From world-class on-ground services in Dubai to adding new bucket-list destinations, and offering better loyalty experiences, Emirates and flydubai customers are guaranteed the latest and greatest in air travel.
