Emirates has confirmed its status as the world’s leading international airline after a landmark year marked by record performance, strategic growth, and major innovations.
The airline placed orders for 73 new aircraft © X
Emirates has confirmed its status as the world’s leading international airline after a landmark year marked by record performance, strategic growth, and major innovations.
In 2025, Emirates carried 55.6 million passengers across 180,580 flights, covering distances equal to circling the globe more than 29,000 times.
The airline also placed orders for 73 new aircraft, including the introduction of the Airbus A350, which now serves 18 cities with a fleet of 16 aircraft.
Continuing its global expansion, Emirates launched new routes in Asia, including Shenzhen, Hangzhou, Da Nang, and Siem Reap. Its popular Premium Economy cabin now covers 70 cities on over 100 aircraft, representing 40% of its passenger fleet.
In November, during the Dubai Airshow, Emirates announced the rollout of Starlink satellite internet on 232 aircraft, starting with Boeing 777s. Over 123 aircraft will feature free high-speed connectivity across all travel classes by the end of 2026.
The airline also boosted its global visibility through nine major sports sponsorships, including a seven-year deal with FC Bayern Munich, continued partnerships with AC Milan, Real Madrid Basketball, World Rugby (until 2035), and the ATP Tour (until 2030).
In logistics, Emirates launched Emirates Courier Express, reaching 10 international markets with an average delivery time under three days.
The Skywards loyalty programme celebrated 25 years with 37 million members in 190 countries, having distributed nearly 400 billion miles since its inception.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet with Bahrain officials on Thursday on the final leg of a trip to the Middle East where he has sought to sell the Trump administration's preliminary Iran accord to skeptical Gulf Arab allies.
The United States' top diplomat sought backing from sceptical Gulf allies on Wednesday for President Donald Trump's deal with Iran to end their war, while in another challenge to the accord, Israel insisted it would keep troops in southern Lebanon.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio begins a Middle East tour in earnest on Wednesday, seeking to reassure Gulf allies who view concessions in President Donald Trump’s Iran deal that include a proposed $300 billion fund as too generous to a regional foe.
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