Emirates is planning to expand its services into South Africa to 28 weekly flights starting in October. By upping the number of flights, Emirates will provide more options for people wishing to visit Dubai or travel to one of the airline's other 120 destinations.

Emirates A380
It takes a little over eight hours to fly from Dubai to Johannesburg. Photo: Emirates

On one of its daily flights to Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport (JNB), Emirates will deploy its iconic Airbus A380 aircraft. As well as the two daily flights to Johannesburg, Emirates will also offer daily flights to both Cape Town and Durban. The additional UAE to South Africa flights will commence starting October 31st.

Emirates will offer two daily A380 flights

Starting January 1, 2022, Emirates will serve Johannesburg with two daily Airbus A380 flights. By deploying its flagship, customer-favorite aircraft, Emirates will allow South Africans to experience the airline's award-winning service.

With Dubai now fully open to tourists and with many countries around the world welcoming South African's without the need to quarantine, Emirates has seen a surge in demand for seats. Emirates is also committed to helping support a recovery in the South African tourist industry by enhancing connections for people wishing to vacation in South Africa.

South Africans visiting Dubai must show a negative COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test with a QR code issued within 48 hours of the sample being collected. Passengers arriving in Dubai from South Africa must also present a rapid PCR result with a QR code taken at the departure airport within six hours of leaving the country.

Once passengers from South Africa arrive in Dubai, they will be required to take another COVID-19 PCR test at Dubai International Airport (DXB). Passengers transiting through Dubai must complete all the requirements required by the authorities at their final destination.

Expo 2020 to start next month

Since Dubai reopened to business and leisure travelers in July 2020, the Emirate has welcomed over four million visitors. With Dubai Expo 2020 scheduled to start October 1, 2021, Dubai is busy preparing to welcome thousands of visitors. People coming to Dubai for the Expo will experience futuristic installations, next-generation themed pavilions, and a daily program of fun and exciting events. Due to the pandemic, Dubai canceled last year's Expo and has scheduled it to run from October 1st, until March 31, 2022.

Emirates A380 premium economy
Some Emirates A380s have premium economy seating. Photo: Emirates

With the revival of a new and exciting South African Airways (SAA) scheduled for September 23rd, Emirates is geared to renew its strategic partnership with the new South African national flag carrier. Emirates' strategic partnership with South African Airways dates back to 1997 and was the first-ever codeshare that Emirates signed with another airline.

Emirates and SAA had an extensive network

Before the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, Emirates and SAA had a collaborative network that comprised 110 destinations. This allowed passengers on both airlines to have an optimized experience while earning reciprocal frequent flyer miles. Plans are currently underway to enhance and expand the ability for passengers to book connecting flights on both airlines with a single itinerary once more.

Emirates A380
Emirates has 119 A380s in its fleet. Photo: Emirates

With the renewal of the partnership with the new SAA, Emirates is strengthening its position in Southern Africa to four codeshare partnerships which, along with SAA, include Airlink, Cemair, and FlySafair.

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