Emirates A350 and new Premium Economy services will link Finland, Switzerland, Ireland, Denmark, the UK and Italy to the UAE, boosting inbound tourism.
Summary: Emirates is expanding its European network with A350 and A380 deployments and new Premium Economy cabins. New services link Finland, Switzerland, Ireland, Denmark, the UK and Italy to the UAE, aiming to boost inbound tourism.
Emirates is broadening its European footprint with fleet upgrades and new services that combine luxury and more affordable seating. The airline’s rollout of Airbus A350 aircraft and the introduction of Premium Economy cabins are designed to make travel between Europe and the UAE both more comfortable and accessible.
New direct link: Helsinki to Dubai
From 1 October 2026 Emirates will launch its inaugural direct service between Dubai and Helsinki. The daily flight will be operated with an Airbus A350 configured in a three-class layout, and it will introduce Premium Economy on the route for cost-conscious travellers who still seek added comfort.
- Aircraft Type: Airbus A350 (three-class layout)
- Service Frequency: Daily
- Route Commencement: 1 October 2026
Zurich upgrade: A380 returns with Premium Economy
Emirates will deploy its A380 on services to Zurich from March 2026, expanding capacity and cabin options on the Swiss route. The A380s will feature a four-class configuration that includes Luxury First Class, Business, Premium Economy and Economy cabins.
- Aircraft Type: A380 (four-class configuration)
- Cabin Options: First Class, Business Class, Premium Economy, Economy
- Route Commencement: March 2026
Ireland: Premium Economy on Dublin routes
Emirates plans to offer Premium Economy on services to Dublin beginning in October 2026. The airline will retrofit aircraft serving the Irish market, with Boeing 777-200LRs cited as featuring the new Premium Economy cabin mix alongside First Class options.
- Aircraft Type: Boeing 777-200LRs featuring Premium Economy
- Cabin Configuration: Premium Economy and First Class options
- Route Commencement: October 2026
Denmark, the UK and Italy: frequency and fleet enhancements
Copenhagen will see a second daily Emirates service from 1 June 2026, operated with the A350 and offering both Premium Economy and Business Class. In the UK, Emirates is adding a fourth daily flight to London Gatwick from 8 February 2026 using A350 aircraft that include Premium Economy. Rome will receive upgraded A350 services from 29 March 2026, also configured with Premium Economy.
- Denmark (Copenhagen): A350, second daily service from 1 June 2026 (Premium Economy & Business)
- UK (London Gatwick): Fourth daily A350 service from 8 February 2026 (Premium Economy)
- Italy (Rome): A350 service from 29 March 2026 with Premium Economy
What this means for UAE inbound tourism
By increasing frequencies and adding premium but more affordable seating, Emirates is improving connectivity between Europe and the UAE. These moves are likely to support higher visitor numbers for both leisure and business travel, while giving travellers a broader range of price and comfort choices.
For travellers, expanded A350 and A380 services mean more flight options, potentially better prices, and new cabin alternatives that sit between economy and business class. For the UAE tourism sector, the changes could translate into increased arrivals from key European markets throughout 2026 and beyond.
So what? Travelers from Finland, Switzerland, Ireland, Denmark, the UK and Italy will benefit from more direct services, new Premium Economy seating, and upgraded long-haul cabins—making travel to the UAE more accessible and comfortable.
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