Emirates reduces Airbus A380 flights from London Gatwick

On the Dubai-Zurich route, Emirates will increase capacity by operating two daily Airbus A380 flights during the upcoming winter season. As the world's largest operator of Airbus A380s, Emirates' fleet includes 118 units capable of accommodating between 486 and 517 passengers in a three-class cabin layout. Some aircraft have been configured with up to 615 seats.

Emirates remains the sole provider of nonstop service from Dubai to London Gatwick but faces competition from SWISS on the Dubai-Zurich route.

In June 2025, Emirates was granted additional slots at both London Gatwick and Manchester airports for potential expansion to four daily flights each. Should these expansions proceed without further adjustments, Emirates could offer up to 12 daily departures from London airports alone. The airline also secured slots for triple-daily services to Dublin.

Despite previous plans announced in 2016 for increased services at London Gatwick, operational expansions were delayed. Airlines often secure slots without utilizing them immediately; therefore, official announcements are necessary for confirmed updates.

Separately, Emirates has confirmed it will resume operations in Damascus after a hiatus of over a decade. Flights are set to begin on July 16, 2025. Damascus is among several cities being added or reinstated into Emirates' network this year as part of its plan to serve 143 destinations from Dubai by year's end.