DUBAI: Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, has returned to Edinburgh for the first time since 2020, reintroducing a daily service that promises both expanded travel options and enhanced business connectivity for the region.
The inaugural flight, operated by a Boeing 777, was welcomed with an impressive performance by the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, an iconic showcase of Scotland’s renowned musical heritage.
Edinburgh, now Emirates' eighth destination in the UK, joins a growing list of UK cities served by the airline. The daily Edinburgh service complements Emirates’ existing daily A380 flights to Glasgow, doubling the weekly flight offerings between Scotland and Dubai to 14.
Flight Schedule
The daily service from Dubai to Edinburgh departs at 14:50 local time, arriving in Edinburgh at 19:05. The return flight departs Edinburgh at 20:40, reaching Dubai at 08:05 the next morning.
How to Book Tickets
Tickets are available on Emirates' official website, through the Emirates App, at Emirates Retail stores, via Emirates' contact centre, and through authorised travel agents.
What it means for Emirates and Scotland
Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, expressed the airline’s enthusiasm in re-establishing its presence in Scotland. “The UK is one of our most important markets, and we’re proud to reinstate our footprint in Scotland – a country that’s loved by visitors from around the world," he remarked. Scottish customers, he added, will soon experience the Boeing 777's comfort, with plans for the A350’s arrival, offering Emirates' highly anticipated Premium Economy and a new Business Class cabin.
Beyond passenger travel, Emirates’ daily service will also support Scotland’s economic growth by enhancing air cargo capacity. "The ample cargo capacity will help support more industries across Scotland," Kazim said, noting that Scottish exporters, including seafood, whisky, and other high-value goods, will benefit from faster access to international markets.
As part of Scotland’s tourism strategy, the daily flights to Edinburgh will foster a significant inflow of international visitors. In 2023 alone, Scotland saw 4 million international tourists, a 23% increase over 2022, generating £3.59 billion for the economy. Emirates will help attract even more visitors from top markets like Australia and India, as well as other locations across its network of over 140 destinations.
Emirates’ re-established Edinburgh service also strengthens trade links between Scotland and the rest of the world. Emirates SkyCargo, the airline’s cargo division, can now handle up to 16 tonnes of cargo per flight, bolstering Scotland’s export-driven economy. This increased capacity is especially crucial for transporting high-demand Scottish exports, including salmon, shellfish, and whisky, to international markets quickly and reliably.
In addition to its Edinburgh service, Emirates operates 133 weekly flights across eight UK gateways, including London Heathrow, London Gatwick, and Manchester. The airline is renowned for its premium in-flight offerings, which include a wide selection of gourmet meals, premium beverages, and in-flight entertainment on its "ice" system, with over 6,500 channels.