Summary: Emirates launched its first Airbus A350 service to London Gatwick on February 8, 2026. The move adds up to four daily Dubai–Gatwick departures, introduces premium economy on the route, and will increase A350 capacity from March 29.

On February 8, 2026, Emirates operated its inaugural Airbus A350 flight to London Gatwick, marking the carrier’s first A350 service into the UK capital’s Gatwick Airport. The launch is part of Emirates’ strategy to deepen connections between Dubai and the United Kingdom, offering up to four daily departures from Dubai to Gatwick.

Meeting growing demand between Dubai and the UK

The new A350 service aims to address rising passenger traffic on the Dubai–UK corridor. By operating up to four daily flights to Gatwick — the UK’s second-busiest airport — Emirates increases flexibility for travellers and strengthens links to its wider global network.

Aircraft configuration and the arrival of premium economy

Emirates introduced the Airbus A350-900 on the route with a 298-seat layout that includes a new premium economy offering for Gatwick services. The initial cabin mix comprises business, premium economy and economy classes to suit a wider range of travellers.

  • Initial configuration (A350-900): 298 seats — 32 business class, 28 premium economy, 238 economy
  • From March 29: capacity increased to 312 seats — 32 business class, 21 premium economy, 259 economy

Introducing premium economy on the Gatwick leg provides an intermediate choice for leisure travellers seeking extra comfort without the price of business class. Emirates expects the additional cabin option to appeal to visitors travelling for sightseeing, shopping, or short breaks in London.

Emirates Airbus A350 at London Gatwick, showing the aircraft on the tarmac
An Emirates Airbus A350 arrives at London Gatwick on the route between Dubai and London

How this affects UK and Dubai tourism

The added frequencies and new cabin mix are likely to boost visitor flows in both directions. Emirates already operates up to 13 daily flights to London alongside 21 additional services to other UK destinations; the A350 to Gatwick adds further capacity that can support leisure travel, business trips and MICE events between the two markets.

  • More convenient schedules for passengers travelling between Dubai and London
  • Additional capacity ahead of the peak summer season
  • Greater choice for travellers seeking mid-tier comfort with premium economy

What travellers should know

Passengers planning trips between the UAE and the UK will find more options and potentially better pricing as capacity grows. Business travellers and event organisers can also benefit from the improved schedule flexibility, while leisure travellers gain access to a new comfort tier for medium-haul flights.

Emirates’ use of the A350 on the Gatwick route underscores the airline’s ongoing focus on enhancing passenger experience and responding to market demand across its global network.

Why this matters: More daily departures to Gatwick, a new premium economy cabin, and increased A350 capacity from March 29 make travel between Dubai and London more flexible and comfortable for a wide range of passengers.