Emirates is broadening its UK presence with a new daily Dubai–London Gatwick service, introducing EK069/070 on a fourth daily rotation between the two cities. The route will leverage the airline’s latest Airbus A350 aircraft, bringing advanced cabin design and technology to a growing London market. This addition sits within Emirates’ broader strategy to offer more choices for travelers by expanding frequencies across Gatwick, Heathrow, and Stansted, alongside existing services to other UK cities. The Dubai Media Office outlined that the new flight will operate alongside Emirates’ existing London operations, bringing the total number of weekly flights to London to twelve across three airports, thereby enhancing passenger flexibility for business and leisure travelers alike.
Emirates’ London Gatwick expansion: flight details and strategic context
The introduction of EK069 and EK070 marks Emirates’ approach to optimize its long-haul network by increasing the number of daily options for travelers targeting London from Dubai. This fourth daily service to Gatwick complements Emirates’ established schedule to Heathrow and Stansted, reinforcing the airline’s commitment to providing convenient choices for customers who prefer secondary London airports, whether for business, tourism, or personal travel. The expansion aligns with the carrier’s broader objective of strengthening connectivity between the UAE and the United Kingdom, delivering more seat capacity, better timing options, and a robust connection pattern that supports both origin-destination travel and interlining with Emirates’ global network.
Flight EK069 is scheduled to depart Dubai at 17:05 local time and arrive in London Gatwick at 20:50 local time the same day. The return service, EK070, leaves London Gatwick at 23:55 and reaches Dubai at 11:00 the following day. This configuration positions EK069 as the final Emirates flight to depart Dubai for the day, and EK070 as the last leg for travelers returning to the UAE. Such timing is intended to maximize traveler convenience by enabling a late-arriving arrival in the UAE after potentially productive days in London, followed by a morning arrival that allows onward connections or a fresh start to the next day.
The Gatwick addition is part of Emirates’ plan to offer a total of 12 daily flights to London across Gatwick, Heathrow, and Stansted. This multi-airport strategy is designed to distribute demand more evenly across the UK’s capital’s nodes, reduce congestion on a single hub, and improve access for a wider pool of travelers. By providing a mix of frequencies across three London airports, Emirates aims to cater to diverse travel patterns, including corporate itineraries, family trips, and longer-stay leisure travel. The airline’s UK network operates with a combination of aircraft types, including the Airbus A350 family, the Airbus A380, and the Boeing 777, reflecting a flexible fleet approach to meet varying capacity needs and route economics.
From a market perspective, London remains a pivotal global city for Emirates, and Gatwick’s inclusion as a gateway for A350 services underscores the airline’s willingness to diversify its London footprint. Gatwick’s role alongside Heathrow and Stansted broadens Emirates’ reach into different market segments, including leisure travelers who prefer Gatwick’s locality, price sensitivity, or flight times that align with particular schedules. The ongoing expansion of the A350 into the UK, including Gatwick, signals Emirates’ confidence in the aircraft’s efficiency and passenger appeal on long-haul routes. The overall UK strategy is complemented by Emirates’ services to other UK destinations such as Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, Glasgow, and Edinburgh, where the airline operates a mixed fleet to support a wide range of passenger needs.
For passengers, the arrival of EK069/070 at Gatwick delivers an additional daily option on a route historically associated with heavy corporate travel and premium cabin demand. The new service broadens choices for travelers seeking to combine business engagements in Dubai with UK meetings, conferences, or tourism, while also providing more straightforward connections to the UAE and beyond through Emirates’ global network. The expansion underscores Emirates’ emphasis on a seamless travel experience, including access to a modern fleet and a consistently high standard of onboard service.
Flight schedule and operational window
The Dubai–Gatwick schedule is crafted to optimize passenger flow and layover opportunities for travelers returning to the UAE or continuing onward within the Emirates network. EK069’s departure time from Dubai is aligned to capture late-afternoon and early-evening demand from the region, while its Gatwick arrival in the early evening provides a practical window for domestic onward connections, UK city attractions, or evening commitments in London. On the return, the late-night departure from Gatwick offers travelers the opportunity to complete day-long engagements in London and depart for Dubai to arrive the following morning, enabling a fresh start for activities upon arrival or efficient alignment with business routines in the UAE.
Fleet deployment and cabin flexibility
The new Gatwick service will be operated by an Airbus A350-900, configured in Emirates’ three-class layout. This aircraft type is known for its modern cabin design, fuel efficiency, and passenger comfort on long-haul missions. The three-class configuration features:
- 32 lie-flat Business Class seats arranged in a 1–2–1 layout, ensuring direct aisle access for all passengers while providing generous privacy and space for working, resting, or socializing.
- 28 Premium Economy seats, offering enhanced legroom, comfort, and service levels between Business and Economy.
- 238 Economy Class seats, designed for longer journeys with a focus on comfort, value, and accessibility.
In addition to the seating layout, the A350-900 on this route includes features such as wireless charging in Business Class, digital inflight menus, and electric window blinds. The Ghaf tree motif in premium cabins adds a distinctive Emirates branding touch to the cabin profile. The aircraft’s in-flight entertainment (IFE) system is described as award-winning, providing a broad catalog of entertainment options for passengers across all cabins. These elements are designed to provide a high level of comfort, convenience, and engagement throughout the flight, supporting both business productivity and relaxation.
Passenger experience and cabin features
Emirates emphasizes that the EK069/070 flight experience is tailored for convenience by leveraging the late-evening departure from Dubai and a late-night return from London. For travelers planning to maximize their stay in Dubai or London, the flight timings can accommodate business meetings, shopping, dining, or sightseeing before either departure or arrival. The lie-flat Business Class seats in a 1–2–1 arrangement guarantee direct access to a navigation-friendly cabin, with each passenger able to enjoy the bedding-style sleep experience on long-haul legs. The Premium Economy seating provides a step up in comfort for travelers who want more space and a calmer cabin environment, and the Economy Class seating remains focused on efficiency and value for short- to medium-length legs within the long-haul framework.
Additionally, the advanced cabin features—such as wireless charging in Business Class and digital inflight menus—further enhance the passenger journey. The electric window blinds offer an intuitive way to control light and privacy, while the Ghaf tree motif reinforces Emirates’ premium cabin branding. Emirates’ IFE system provides extensive entertainment options designed to suit diverse passenger preferences, from news and documentaries to latest film releases and popular TV series, helping to make the flight more enjoyable and productive.
Cabin design, technology, and in-flight experience on EK069/070
The Emirates A350-900 cabin for this route emphasizes a combination of comfort, efficiency, and cutting-edge technology. Passengers seated in Business Class will benefit from a quiet, well-appointed environment with the capacity for full privacy and personal space, thanks to the 1–2–1 layout that ensures direct aisle access for every guest. The 32 lie-flat seats are designed to support extended periods of rest and productivity, with features that facilitate work when desired and ample opportunities to recharge and refresh.
In Premium Economy, travelers gain a more generous seating area, improved legroom, and an environment oriented toward relaxed travel. This cabin class serves as an important bridge between the premium expectations of Business and the value-driven approach of Economy, offering a more comfortable experience for long-haul travel without compromising efficiency for the airline. The Economy cabin remains the largest section on board, offering a practical balance between price and comfort for a broad base of travelers who are mindful of budget considerations.
The onboard technology suite on the A350-900 includes wireless charging points for devices, ensuring that passengers can maintain device readiness for work or entertainment without needing extra adapters or outlets. Digital inflight menus simplify the dining experience by providing accessible, up-to-date options and details on meals and beverages. The electric window blinds enable rapid adjustments to cabin lighting, contributing to passenger comfort and an improved sense of space throughout the flight. The Ghaf tree motif in premium cabins embodies Emirates’ brand identity while also serving as a visually comforting design element that blends with the overall cabin ambiance.
Emirates’ renowned inflight entertainment system remains a centerpiece of the journey, offering a broad library of movies, TV shows, music, and other media selections. The system’s breadth of content supports diverse tastes and preferences, ensuring that passengers can find options aligned with their interests, whether they are seeking relaxation, entertainment, or distraction from a long-haul flight. The combination of aircraft efficiency, cabin comfort, and extensive entertainment options contributes to a holistic travel experience that is consistent with Emirates’ premium-brand positioning.
Comfort, service, and passenger outcomes
The EK069/070 configuration is designed to balance efficiency with a high standard of service. Passengers traveling in all cabins should experience attentive cabin crew service, curated to meet the expectations of Emirates’ international passenger base. Business Class passengers can anticipate a high level of personalized service, supported by the cabin layout that emphasizes privacy and ease of movement. Premium Economy offers enhanced comfort with a focus on a more relaxed travel environment, while Economy passengers can rely on efficient service and the airline’s general commitment to quality.
The late-night departure from Gatwick and the early-morning arrival into Dubai present a travel pattern that can be advantageous for those aiming to minimize jet lag or maximize daytime productivity upon reaching their destination. For business travelers with daytime commitments in the UAE, the morning arrival enables a prompt start to meetings and activities after immigration and baggage collection, as well as the possibility of continuing onward to other Emirates destinations.
Emirates’ UK and global network: reach, capacity, and fleet deployment
London Gatwick becomes the second UK airport to host Emirates’ A350 after Edinburgh, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s UK strategy. The broader UK footprint now comprises 140 weekly Emirates flights across eight cities: London Gatwick, London Heathrow, London Stansted, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, Glasgow, and Edinburgh. The network is served by a mix of Airbus A350s, A380s, and Boeing 777s, reflecting a flexible approach to fleet usage that aligns with route demand and performance considerations.
By extending A350 services across multiple UK destinations, Emirates enhances its ability to connect passengers from the UK to its global network. The A350 deployment alongside other aircraft types enables Emirates to tailor capacity to market demand while preserving service quality and schedule reliability. The wide geographic spread of the UK network supports a robust connectivity proposition for travelers who require both domestically focused travel within the UK and long-haul connections beyond the country’s shores.
London is part of a growing roster of global cities on the Emirates A350 map. The airline’s A350 network includes cities such as Mumbai, Istanbul, Muscat, Edinburgh, and Amman, among others, illustrating the aircraft’s central role in linking Emirates’ Middle East hub with major international destinations. This expansion underscores Emirates’ strategy to position London as a key global hub alongside other important metropolitan centers, reinforcing the airline’s ability to offer seamless connections for passengers traveling between Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and the Indian Ocean region.
The multi-airport London strategy supports a broader objective of widening access for travelers while preserving efficient operations. Gatwick’s role complements Emirates’ Heathrow and Stansted services by offering alternative scheduling options and meeting the needs of different customer segments, such as those prioritizing airport location, flight times, or price considerations. For travelers planning trips that combine UK and international legs, Emirates’ network architecture enables smoother itineraries, increased choice in departure and arrival times, and more straightforward connections to and from Dubai and the broader Emirates network.
Connectivity and travel planning benefits
For customers contemplating itineraries that involve travel between the UAE and the UK, Emirates’ expanded London presence offers tangible benefits. The ability to choose among three London airports means travelers can select the most convenient gateway based on their final destination, business requirements, or leisure plans. The 12 daily London flights provide redundancy and flexibility, reducing the likelihood of disrupted travel plans due to a single airport bottleneck or schedule changes. Moreover, the alignment with Emirates’ global network facilitates easier connections to destinations in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and beyond.
Travel planners and travel agents can leverage Emirates’ broad UK footprint to design itineraries that maximize convenience and value. The combination of EK069/070 with the airline’s existing Gatwick, Heathrow, and Stansted services enables complex routing that can optimize layover times, total travel time, and fare structures. The availability of multiple airport options, alongside Emirates’ consistently strong on-board products and service levels, positions the airline as a competitive choice for long-haul journeys that begin or end in the UK.
Booking and availability details remain straightforward for travelers. Customers can book Emirates flights via emirates.com, the Emirates App, through retail outlets, the airline’s contact center, or travel agents. This multi-channel approach supports easy access to the EK069/070 schedule and allows passengers to explore options across the wider Emirates network, including connections to Dubai and onward destinations from the UAE hub.
Booking, connectivity, and practical travel guidance
As the fourth daily Dubai–London Gatwick service, EK069/070 adds a valuable connectivity layer for travelers seeking flexibility in their UK routes. The integration with Emirates’ broader London operations means that passengers can access an expanded set of connections to destinations across the airline’s global network, including popular business and leisure corridors. For travelers who prioritize efficient journeys with a premium travel experience, Emirates’ A350 deployment in this route reinforces the airline’s emphasis on passenger comfort, high-quality onboard amenities, and reliable service standards.
To make the most of the EK069/070 service, travelers can consider several practical planning steps. First, verify the latest schedule details and any operational notices that may affect departure or arrival times. Second, assess the most convenient London gateway for onward connections or domestic travel within the UK, given Emirates’ presence at Gatwick, Heathrow, and Stansted. Third, explore fare classes and seat options within the three-class A350 cabin to determine the best balance of comfort, price, and productivity needs. Fourth, take advantage of Emirates’ multi-channel booking platform to compare fares, seat types, and IFE options to tailor the travel experience to personal preferences.
The EK069/070 flights’ integration into Emirates’ existing network also supports smoother connections for those traveling from global destinations into the UK or returning to the UAE. Passengers arriving in Gatwick can access a broader London distribution or continued Emirates routes to other Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and beyond. Likewise, travelers departing from Gatwick have the opportunity to reach Dubai and onward connections with minimal friction, aided by Emirates’ well-structured schedule and service quality.
In summary, Emirates’ new Dubai–London Gatwick service EK069/070 reflects a strategic initiative to deepen its UK footprint, diversify its London gateway options, and deliver a premium long-haul experience through the A350 platform. By combining thoughtful flight timings, a modern three-class cabin, and a robust network ecosystem, Emirates aims to meet evolving traveler needs while reinforcing its position as a leading international carrier for UK–Dubai and broader global travel.
Conclusion
Emirates is strengthening its UK footprint with the introduction of a fourth daily Dubai–London Gatwick service, EK069/070, starting February 8, 2026. The flights will be operated by the airline’s newest Airbus A350-900 in a three-class configuration, featuring 32 lie-flat Business Class seats in a 1–2–1 layout, 28 Premium Economy seats, and 238 Economy Class seats. Passengers will benefit from the cabin’s advanced features, including wireless charging in Business Class, digital inflight menus, and electric window blinds with the Ghaf tree motif, alongside Emirates’ acclaimed in-flight entertainment system. EK069 departs Dubai at 17:05 and arrives at Gatwick at 20:50, with EK070 returning from Gatwick at 23:55 to reach Dubai at 11:00 the next day, providing a practical option for passengers who seek maximum flexibility for evening meetings, shopping, or city experiences before or after their flights.
The Gatwick addition brings Emirates’ total weekly flights to London to 12 across Gatwick, Heathrow, and Stansted and expands the airline’s UK operations to 140 weekly flights across eight cities, including London Gatwick, London Heathrow, London Stansted, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, Glasgow, and Edinburgh. The new service reinforces Emirates’ global reach and reinforces London’s importance among Emirates’ premium long-haul connections, with the A350 serving alongside other fleet types such as the A380 and Boeing 777 to support a diverse, resilient network. EK069/070 thus represents a meaningful enhancement to passenger choices, offering a convenient, modern, and comfortable travel experience that aligns with Emirates’ commitment to seamless connectivity between Dubai and the UK, and beyond to its broad international network. Travelers can book via emirates.com, the Emirates App, retail outlets, the contact centre, or travel agents, ensuring straightforward access to this new, strategically pivotal service.