Image: Emirates
Dubai-based aviation giant Emirates said on Wednesday it carried 55.6 million passengers in 2025, reinforcing its position as the world’s largest international airline, as it marked 40 years since the launch of its operations.
The carrier operated nearly 180,580 flights during the year, covering distances equivalent to circling the Earth more than 29,000 times, and placed orders for 73 new aircraft, the airline said in a statement.
Emirates said 2025 was shaped by a long-term vision for the future of travel, identifying 10 milestones that defined the year.
Emirates: 10 milestones in 2025
These included the entry into service of its first Airbus A350 aircraft in early January, with the A350 network expanding to 18 cities using 16 aircraft.
The airline continued to expand its Asia network, launching daily non-stop flights to Shenzhen and Hangzhou in mainland China, and adding services to Da Nang in Vietnam and Siem Reap in Cambodia via Bangkok.
The carrier also introduced additional Airbus A350 aircraft and refurbished Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft featuring its Premium Economy cabin. The cabin is now available on more than 100 aircraft serving nearly 70 cities, representing around 40 per cent of the airline’s passenger fleet.
At the Dubai Airshow in November, Emirates announced plans to roll out Starlink satellite internet connectivity across 232 aircraft, beginning with Boeing 777s.
The airline said it would become the first in the world to operate Airbus A380 aircraft equipped with the technology in early 2026, with more than 123 aircraft expected to offer complimentary high-speed connectivity by the end of next year.
Sports sponsorships, Emirates Skywards
Emirates said it signed nine major sports sponsorship agreements in 2025, including a seven-year partnership with FC Bayern Munich, an extension of its agreement with World Rugby through 2035, and a new partnership with European Professional Club Rugby.
Other sponsorships included Real Madrid Basketball, AC Milan, Olympique Lyonnais, the ATP Tour through 2030, and UAE Team Emirates XRG.
The airline also launched Emirates Courier Express, which expanded to 10 international markets with further growth planned in 2026, achieving an average delivery time of no more than three days.
Emirates Skywards marked its 25th anniversary in 2025, reaching 37 million members across 190 countries.
Over the past two decades, the programme has distributed nearly 400 billion reward miles through more than 100 partners, with members redeeming more than 800 flight rewards daily.
In social initiatives, Emirates said its Aircrafted KIDS programme distributed more than 3,700 backpacks to children in eight countries across Africa, West Asia and the Middle East, with plans to expand the initiative in 2026.
The airline also strengthened its accessible travel offering, becoming the world’s first Autism Certified Airline after training more than 30,000 staff, and introducing new digital tools, sensory guides and onboard support measures for passengers with disabilities.
