Emirates is considering flights from Dubai to Denver, Detroit and Philadelphia, according to its president, Tim Clark. Speaking at the Routes World conference, he said the airline was looking at a much longer list of possible destinations. Its most recent US addition was Miami in 2021, which replaced nearby Fort Lauderdale. Newark, added in 2017, was its last entirely new US destination.
New aircraft that use less fuel could allow Emirates to serve more cities profitably from Dubai. The airline has ordered more than 300 aircraft, including Airbus A350s, Boeing 787s and Boeing 777Xs. It expects its first 777-9s, with 300 to 400 seats, in 2027. That aircraft was originally due to arrive in 2020.
Clark said expansion remained the plan despite conflicts involving Iran and the Houthis in Yemen. Demand is still strong, with flights to Bangkok remaining full, and Emirates continues to make a profit despite expensive jet fuel. As the largest airline at Dubai International Airport, it has benefited from several Western airlines suspending flights. Its network connects travellers from Europe and North America with destinations across India, Southeast Asia and Africa.
