Durban, South Africa. Photo: Nigel Jarvis / Shutterstock.com Emirates has announced it will increase its Dubai-Durban service during the 2026-2027 festive season while showcasing new accessibility concepts designed to make air travel more comfortable and independent for passengers with disabilities.
The airline has added 14 flights between Dubai and Durban across December 2026 and January 2027, giving travelers more options during the busy holiday period. Separately, Emirates presented several accessibility initiatives at the eighth AccessAbilities Expo, held at Dubai World Trade Center, taking place from October 19 to 21, 2026.
Emirates Boeing 777. Photo: EmiratesThe additional Durban flights will operate between December 17 and 23, 2026, and January 2 and 8, 2027. During these periods, Emirates will offer a second daily service using a three-class Boeing 777.
Flight EK2535 will depart Dubai at 4 a.m. and arrive in Durban at 10:30 a.m. The return service, EK2536, will leave Durban at 12:15 p.m. and reach Dubai at 10:30 p.m. The airline's existing daily flights, EK775 and EK776, will continue to operate as scheduled.
Through its Dubai hub, Emirates connects passengers to more than 140 destinations. The extra capacity is intended to support both South African residents traveling abroad and international visitors heading to Durban for its summer weather, beaches, cultural attractions and festive-season events.
The airline said 1.2 million visitors traveled to Durban during the previous festive period. Additional flights could help support the city's tourism ambitions, including arrivals from markets such as India, China, Indonesia and Mexico, where South Africa's Electronic Travel Authorization initiative is relevant.
Emirates explores new innovations for customers. Photo: EmiratesWhile expanding its seasonal flight schedule, Emirates is also exploring ways to improve the travel experience for passengers with accessibility requirements.
At AccessAbilities Expo 2026, the airline presented concepts including a cabin familiarisation experience for passengers who are blind or have low vision, a wheelchair-accessible lounge suite and biometric boarding gates designed to support more independent movement through the airport.
Emirates explores new innovations for customers. Photo: EmiratesThe cabin experience combines spatial audio, tactile exploration of an aircraft seat and guidance from a host to help passengers understand their surroundings before flying. Visitors can sit in an Emirates A350 seat fitted with the airline's U-Dream headrest while listening to descriptions of the cabin environment.
Emirates explores new innovations for customers. Photo: EmiratesAt Dubai International Airport's Terminal 3, Emirates has introduced accessibility improvements to its biometric boarding gates, including camera systems that can adjust to different heights and angles. The aim is to accommodate passengers using wheelchairs without restricting their movement. Self-service check-in kiosks also feature text-to-speech, Braille, tactile controls, headphone connectivity and height-adjustable interfaces.
Another development is an accessible version of Emirates' private lounge suite concept. The prototype is designed for passengers who use wheelchairs, people with reduced mobility and travelers who need additional support or space. Features include a powered lift recliner, grab bars, wheelchair storage and room for transfers, while retaining the suite's private setting. Initially intended for First Class, the concept could be extended to other cabins in the future.
Emirates also highlighted existing accessibility services, including its Travel Rehearsals Program for children and young adults with autism and their families. The airline said it has completed 80 rehearsals across six continents, positively impacting more than 400 families. More than 35,000 Emirates employees have received training to support customers with autism.
Other services include an online Accessible and Inclusive Travel Hub, sensory products available onboard, closed captions on more than 850 films and audio descriptions on 200 movies. Emirates also offers an accessible chauffeur-drive service in Dubai, with 10 wheelchair-accessible vehicles currently available to eligible First and Business Class customers.
Mostafa Karam, Emirates' Divisional Senior Vice President of Customer Affairs and Service Audit, said the airline was working with partners to address accessibility throughout the journey, from trip planning and airport procedures to the onboard experience.
The seasonal Durban flights and accessibility developments reflect two distinct priorities for Emirates: adding capacity when travel demand rises and continuing to develop services for passengers with different needs.
Emirates is also promoting flexible booking options for travelers making festive-season plans. Eligible bookings to Dubai include unlimited free date changes, while tickets to other destinations include one free date change. Its Hold My Fare service allows customers to reserve a ticket price for 24 hours at no extra cost while finalizing their plans.
The airline is also offering reduced refund fees and optional Comprehensive Travel Cover for eligible travelers from South Africa and 26 other countries. The insurance includes medical expenses, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation and baggage cover, subject to policy terms.