As the year draws to a close, the allure of South Africa’s golden coastline grows irresistible. To meet the soaring demand for year-end getaways, Emirates, the world’s largest international airline has announced a significant boost to its South African schedule, introducing 14 additional flights between Dubai and Durban across December 2026 and January 2027.
Whether you are returning home to celebrate the holidays with loved ones, trading the Northern Hemisphere’s winter chill for warm coastal sunshine, or embarking on a long-awaited luxury escape, these elevated frequencies bring unparalleled choice, convenience, and global connectivity to the festive travel season.
The Festive Flight Schedule
To cater to peak holiday movements, Emirates will operate a second daily flight between Dubai International Airport (DXB) and King Shaka International Airport (DUR) using its spacious three-class Boeing 777 during two prime holiday windows:
17 – 23 December 2026
2 – 8 January 2027
Flight Details:
EK2535: Departs Dubai at 04:00, arriving in Durban at 10:30.
EK2536: Departs Durban at 12:15, landing in Dubai at 22:30.
Note: The existing daily services (EK775 and EK776) will continue operating as scheduled, providing seamless double-daily choices during these high-demand dates.
Unlocking Durban’s Vibrant Summer & Beyond
Durban comes alive in summer. From beachfront fireworks and rich cultural experiences to world-class dining along the coast, the city welcomed over 1.2 million holidaymakers during last year’s festive period alone. Emirates’ additional services further champion inbound tourism, particularly for travelers benefiting from South Africa’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)—including key markets such as India, China, Indonesia, and Mexico.
For Durbanites looking to explore the world before ringing in 2027, the expanded flight schedule opens effortless connections via Dubai to over 140 global destinations. Top December escapes for local travelers include:
Middle East & Asia: Dubai, Thailand, and Indonesia
Indian Subcontinent: India
Europe & UK: France and the United Kingdom
Seamless Booking & Elevated Peace of Mind
To ensure an effortless journey from start to finish, Emirates is offering ultimate flexibility and comprehensive protection for holiday planning:
Flexible Date Changes: Enjoy unlimited free date changes across all cabins for tickets booked to Dubai, and one free date change for destinations across the rest of the global network.
Hold My Fare: Lock in ticket prices for 24 hours at no additional fee while finalizing travel itineraries.
Comprehensive Travel Cover: South African travelers booking via emirates.com can opt into multi-risk travel insurance. This includes unlimited worldwide medical expenses, emergency evacuation, baggage and trip delay protection, and specialized coverage for unexpected disruptions.
