Emirates Premium Class. Photo: Emirates Emirates is bringing its retrofitted Airbus A380 to Paris from October 25, 2026, adding its Premium Economy cabin to the Dubai Paris route for the first time.
Emirates Economy Class on a retrofitted A380. Photo: EmiratesThe aircraft will operate daily as flights EK071 and EK072, giving passengers traveling between Dubai and the French capital access to Emirates’ newest long-haul cabin as well as refreshed First, Business and Economy Class cabins.
The move means all three French cities served by Emirates, Paris, Lyon and Nice, will have access to the airline’s Premium Economy product.
Emirates said Premium Economy has seen strong demand on its Lyon and Nice routes since being introduced in France. Around one in 10 passengers traveling to Dubai from those cities has chosen the cabin, according to the airline.
The demand comes in part from the long-haul nature of the market. A significant share of traffic between France and Dubai originates from destinations including Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, India and Thailand. French passengers also travel extensively to long-haul destinations such as the Maldives and Mauritius, where Emirates already offers Premium Economy on parts of the journey.
Cedric Renard, Emirates’ Country Manager in France, said expanding the cabin to Paris was a natural next step following the response in Lyon and Nice.
“France is an important and longstanding market for Emirates, and we’re delighted to now offer our newest cabin experience at all gateways we serve,” Renard said.
The Premium Economy cabin occupies the front section of the A380's main deck and has 56 seats arranged in a 2-4-2 layout. The cream leather seats recline and include cushioned leg rests and six way adjustable headrests.
Passengers will also receive regionally inspired menus served on Royal Doulton china, with linen napkins and stainless steel cutlery. The beverage selection includes wines and sparkling wine selected for the Premium Economy cabin.
At Charles de Gaulle Airport, Premium Economy passengers will have access to dedicated check in counters and priority boarding. The cabin also comes with a 35kg checked baggage allowance and up to 10kg of carry on baggage.
Emirates Business Class on a retrofitted A380. Photo: EmiratesThe aircraft's refurbishment goes beyond Premium Economy. Emirates has refreshed the A380 from nose to tail, including First, Business and Economy cabins. The updated interiors feature cream, bronze and sky blue colors, lighter wood finishes and the airline's signature ghaf tree motif.
Photo: EmiratesThe A380's familiar Onboard Lounge and Shower Spa have also been refreshed, with polished wood finishes, bronze details and softer lighting.
Emirates currently operates three gateways in France, making the Paris introduction the latest stage in its wider Premium Economy rollout.
Tickets for the refurbished aircraft are available through Emirates' website, app, travel agents and Emirates retail locations, including its Paris store.