In a monumental celebration of vision, resilience, and unwavering service, Emirates—the world’s largest international airline—marks 25 years since its inaugural flight to Sydney. From modest beginnings in March 2000, with four weekly flights via Singapore, the airline has transformed into a formidable global connector. Now, it operates three daily direct services between Sydney and Dubai, all serviced by the award-winning Airbus A380.
Emirates’ journey to becoming a key player in Australia’s aviation sector is inspiring. More than 35,000 Emirates flights have connected over 9 million passengers to Sydney, forging a powerful bridge between Australia and over 140 destinations worldwide.
A Quarter-Century of Excellence in the Skies
Backed by a legacy of luxurious service, innovation, and strategic growth, Emirates’ commitment to Australia’s largest city has never wavered. The airline now boasts three daily A380 services, each offering Premium Economy cabins that set a new standard in comfort and style.
“Sydney is such an iconic city, it’s no wonder that it remains one of our top destinations from Dubai, with over 15,000 passengers flying to and from Sydney with Emirates each week,” said Barry Brown, Divisional Vice President Australasia at Emirates.
“Over the years, Emirates has responded to growing travel demand with agility, by boosting capacity into Sydney from four-weekly to three-daily direct services and offering more travellers the opportunity to experience the city’s fantastic beaches, stunning harbour, and beautiful coastline.”
Emirates cabin crew mark 25 years of service in Sydney, standing proudly with the iconic Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge in the backdrop—celebrating a quarter-century of connecting Australia to the world with grace and tradition.
From Milestone Moments to Unmatched Service
Emirates has played a pivotal role in connecting Australians with the world and enhancing tourism and trade links. Key milestones in its Sydney operations illustrate an enduring partnership that continues to grow:
- 2003: Launch of service between Dubai and Christchurch via Sydney, offering seamless trans-Tasman connectivity.
- 2006: Opening the Emirates Lounge at Sydney Airport—one of four lounges across Australia.
- 2016: The introduction of the Airbus A380 on the Dubai-Sydney-Christchurch route marked the only A380 service across the Tasman.
- 2022: Sydney became one of the first cities in the world to experience Emirates’ revamped A380 Premium Economy cabin.
- 2023: All Emirates Sydney services upgraded to the A380, delivering more than 20,300 weekly seats and outstanding cabin options.
As part of its multi-billion-dollar retrofit program, Emirates has continued to raise the bar in aviation excellence, redefining what it means to travel in style. Sydney’s position as a pioneering hub for the new Premium Economy product reflects its strategic significance in Emirates’ global network.
Celebrating the Silver Anniversary with Australian Flavours
In honour of its 25th anniversary, Emirates will treat passengers travelling between Sydney and Dubai on March 26 to a selection of Australian-inspired delicacies onboard. Expect a mouth-watering celebration featuring pavlova, Lamington Cake, and Bundt Cake—each paying tribute to Australia’s culinary heritage with a luxurious Emirates twist.
Emirates and Sydney Airport: Elevating the Passenger Journey
More recently, Emirates partnered with Sydney Airport to introduce Premium Check-In—Ascent, a bespoke service for First Class passengers offering a seamless, exclusive check-in experience. This is another testament to Emirates’ unwavering dedication to elevating every touchpoint of the travel journey.
Investing in Arts, Culture, and Community
Beyond aviation, Emirates has enriched Australia’s cultural fabric. The airline has supported the Sydney Symphony Orchestra since 2002, strengthening global access to the arts and promoting world-class talent. This enduring sponsorship reflects Emirates’ broader mission to connect people physically, culturally, and emotionally across continents.
A Future Built on Commitment and Connectivity
As of today, Emirates operates 77 weekly return flights to Australia, delivering over 68,000 seats across its five gateway cities. This includes:
- Three daily services to Sydney and Melbourne
- Two daily flights to Brisbane and Perth
- One daily flight to Adelaide
This extensive network ensures Australians remain connected to Dubai and premier destinations such as London, Paris, Rome, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Dublin, Beirut, Milan, and Athens.
Additionally, Emirates continues to support bilateral trade and investment flows through critical air cargo services, playing a crucial role in realising the UAE-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
“As we look ahead, we will continue to elevate the customer experience in line with the ever-changing travel trends, bringing industry-leading products to Australia and continuing to offer seamless connectivity to Dubai and beyond,” Mr. Brown added.
A Legacy Worth Celebrating
For Emirates, this silver anniversary is not merely a milestone—it’s a testament to a long-term vision grounded in trust, service, and excellence. As the airline charts its next chapter, its bond with Sydney remains resolute—more assertive, luxurious, and ambitious than ever.
From inaugural flights to pioneering Premium Economy and enhancing cargo and culture, Emirates’ journey with Sydney continues to define what world-class air travel should be: accessible, elevated, and enduring.
For more information about Emirates’ services to Sydney and beyond, visit the Emirates website.
Written by: My Thanh Pham
