DUBAI: Emirates has resumed its daily service between Dubai and Adelaide, marking a significant milestone in connectivity for South Australia.
With the Boeing 777-200LR back in operation, the airline will offer over 4,200 weekly seats, providing more than 220,400 passengers annually with seamless access to over 140 destinations worldwide.
The return of Emirates to Adelaide is set to have a substantial economic impact on South Australia. According to the South Australian Tourism Commission, Emirates’ daily service will generate over $62 million in tourism expenditure annually and create more than 315 full-time tourism-related jobs.
Adelaide Airport welcomes Emirates back
This initiative aligns with Emirates’ ongoing commitment to Australia and reflects the airline’s investment in regional growth.
South Australian Premier, Peter Malinauskas, said, “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."
Brenton Cox, Adelaide Airport Managing Director, shared his excitement about Emirates’ return, saying, “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.”
When the flights depart
Flight EK440 leaves Dubai at 02:00, arriving in Adelaide at 20:50. The return flight, EK441, departs Adelaide at 22:40, reaching Dubai at 05:20, offering smooth connections to multiple time zones.
What the daily service means for trade
Emirates SkyCargo will enhance trade links between South Australia and international markets, including the Middle East, Europe, and the USA. Each flight offers 14 tonnes of cargo capacity, totalling 196 tonnes per week. Anticipated exports include seafood, meat, fruits and vegetables, pharmaceuticals, and electronics. The freight exports alone are expected to be worth $98 million per year, contributing to a total estimated economic impact of $160 million from Emirates’ flights.
“Emirates’ return will be a major player in our efforts to grow the state’s international market,” stated South Australian Minister for Tourism, Zoe Bettison. "I look forward to seeing South Australia in Emirates’ global marketing programs, showcasing why we are a must-visit destination.”
How Emirates plans to grow its Australian network
Australia has remained a priority market for Emirates for nearly three decades. The return of flights to Adelaide reinforces the airline’s investment in Australia, where it now operates 70 weekly services across five major cities. Nabil Sultan, Emirates’ Executive Vice President, Passenger Sales and Country Management, commented, “The return of our Adelaide service reinforces our commitment to expanding our Australia network, which now offers 70 weekly services across five Australian cities.”
In addition to Adelaide, Emirates will reinstate a second daily service to Perth starting 1 December, bringing its total flights to Australia to 77 weekly, restoring pre-pandemic passenger capacity.