Emirates will launch daily nonstop flights from Dubai to Cape Town starting September 15 using Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. Flight EK387 departs Dubai at 03:05 and arrives Cape Town at 11:25 with a flight time of 9 hours 20 minutes. Return EK388 leaves Cape Town at 13:50 and reaches Dubai at 01:10 the next day.
Introductory fares start at 485 USD round-trip when booked before August 15. The route adds 252,000 annual seats between the Middle East and South Africa. Cape Town International Airport confirmed new gate allocations for the service.
Emirates previously served Cape Town via Johannesburg with connections. Direct service was suspended in 2020 due to pandemic restrictions. Recovery in long-haul leisure travel prompted the reinstatement.
South African tourism recorded 1.8 million visitors from Europe and Asia in 2025. The new route supports goals to reach 2.5 million by 2027.
What this means for you
Book the introductory fare before August 15 for September travel to secure the lowest price. Select seats early as the 360-seat configuration fills quickly on leisure routes. Connect onward to Johannesburg or Durban using domestic carriers for multi-city itineraries.
Allow extra time for new security procedures at Cape Town International Airport during the first month of operations. Check baggage allowances as Emirates applies 30 kg free allowance on this route.
Monitor flight schedules for seasonal adjustments after December 2026 when demand patterns stabilize. Consider combining the flight with safari packages in the Western Cape region.