Emirates has confirmed that routes across Europe, North America, Africa, Asia and the Middle East will benefit from refreshed aircraft and the continued expansion of its premium economy cabin. The upgrades form part of the airline’s multi-billion-dollar retrofit strategy, designed to modernise interiors and introduce more three- and four-class configurations across its long-haul fleet.
Starting from March, passengers travelling from Dubai International Airport to key global cities will begin to see newly retrofitted Boeing 777s and Airbus A380s operating on select services. By the end of 2026, Emirates expects to offer premium economy to 99 destinations worldwide — a significant milestone for the relatively new cabin class.
A major step in the programme will be completed by mid-April, when the airline finalises the retrofit of its first high-density, two-class A380 aircraft. That aircraft will move into a new three-class layout, featuring business, premium economy and economy cabins. It will initially operate flights EK903/904 between Dubai and Amman from April 14 to May 31 before transitioning to Prague from June 1. By November, all 15 of Emirates’ two-class A380 aircraft are expected to be fully converted.
Here’s a closer look at the nine destinations receiving upgrades in 2026:
Basra
From May 1, flights EK945/946 between Dubai and Basra will operate with a retrofitted four-class Boeing 777-300ER. The refreshed aircraft will introduce premium economy on all five weekly services to Iraq’s third-largest city, strengthening regional connectivity while offering passengers more comfort options.
Dublin
Long-haul services to the Irish capital will be upgraded from October 25. Flights EK165/166 will operate with a three-class retrofitted Boeing 777-200LR, adding premium economy across 21 weekly flights. The enhanced cabin provides additional space, upgraded seating and improved amenities for travellers heading to Europe.
Entebbe
From March 29, Emirates’ EK729/730 service to Entebbe will be operated by the newer Airbus A350. The aircraft brings updated interiors and a modern cabin layout to the East African route serving Uganda, improving the overall passenger experience.
Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam’s largest city will benefit from a three-class retrofitted Boeing 777-200LR starting May 1. Flights EK392/393 will add more than 600 weekly premium economy seats across double daily services, reinforcing Emirates’ presence in Southeast Asia.
Hong Kong
From October 1, flights EK382/383 will be upgraded from a Boeing 777-300ER to the Airbus A380. A further enhancement follows on December 1, when the aircraft will be retrofitted to include premium economy. The phased rollout ensures passengers travelling between Dubai and Hong Kong can expect increasingly enhanced onboard comfort.
Mauritius
Flights EK709/710 to Mauritius will operate with a retrofitted three-class Boeing 777-300ER from March 29. The addition of premium economy is expected to be particularly popular with leisure travellers heading to the Indian Ocean island.
Milan
From May 10, Emirates will deploy a retrofitted three-class Boeing 777-200LR on flights EK101/102 between Dubai and Milan. The upgrade brings premium economy to the Italian fashion capital, giving passengers more choice on the busy European route.
New York
Flights EK201/202 to New York’s JFK Airport will be served by a four-class retrofitted A380 from April 1 on selected days, increasing to daily service from June 1. The aircraft will feature first class, business, premium economy and economy cabins, offering one of the airline’s most comprehensive onboard configurations.
Zurich
Services EK085/086 to Zurich will also operate with a four-class A380 featuring premium economy. With this enhancement, Emirates will offer more than 1,500 weekly premium economy seats to and from the Swiss city, strengthening its European network.
The latest upgrades underline Emirates’ commitment to fleet renewal and passenger comfort. By expanding premium economy and modernising aircraft interiors, the airline is positioning itself to meet growing demand for more flexible and comfortable travel options.
For travellers flying from Dubai in 2026, these changes mean more destinations with upgraded cabins, refreshed seating and expanded premium services — whether heading to Europe, North America, Africa or Asia.
FAQs
Emirates is upgrading flights to Basra, Dublin, Entebbe, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, Mauritius, Milan, New York (JFK) and Zurich as part of its 2026 retrofit programme.
Yes, Emirates plans to expand premium economy to 99 destinations by the end of 2026, with several newly upgraded routes featuring the cabin.
Emirates is retrofitting Boeing 777-200LR, Boeing 777-300ER and Airbus A380 aircraft, introducing refreshed interiors and three- or four-class configurations.
Emirates expects to complete the retrofit of all 15 of its two-class A380 aircraft into new three-class layouts by November 2026.
Emirates premium economy offers wider seats, more legroom, upgraded dining and enhanced onboard amenities compared to standard economy class.
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