Emirates will fly the A350 to Durban daily from March 1, 2027, bringing Premium Economy to all its South African gateways, the airline said on October 30.
Durban joins Cape Town and Johannesburg, where Emirates introduced Premium Economy in September 2025. The airline said demand for the cabin on those routes has been consistently high over the past 12 months, split equally between leisure and corporate travellers.
The A350 will operate the EK 775/776 service to King Shaka International Airport. Emirates said a large share of Durban traffic is people visiting friends and family abroad, connecting via Dubai to markets such as Thailand, Indonesia, India, France and the UK.
“We look forward to welcoming travellers from Durban onboard the A350 in the new year, where they can experience elevated onboard amenities and Emirates’ signature service that make this aircraft a passenger favourite,” said Afzal Parambil, Regional Manager for Southern Africa at Emirates.
“South Africa remains an anchor of our African network, with some of the busiest gateways globally,” he added.
Emirates recently put the A350 on its Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City flights, which also gained Premium Economy.
Premium Economy on the A350 is laid out 2-4-2, with 13.3-inch screens and in-seat charging. Passengers in the cabin get a dedicated check-in counter and priority boarding in Durban, a 35 kg checked baggage allowance and 10 kg of carry-on.
Business Class is configured 1-2-1, giving every passenger direct aisle access, with fully lie-flat seats and a personal minibar. The aircraft’s ice entertainment system offers more than 6,500 channels.
Economy passengers will be served Journey’s End Weather Station Sauvignon Blanc 2025, from a family-owned estate near Stellenbosch.
