Emirates reports surge in premium bookings from China and India

In a notable trend, Emirates Airline has reported a significant increase in premium bookings from affluent travelers, particularly from China and India. During the first half of 2025, Emirates observed a 27% rise in first-class reservations from China and a 17% rise from India compared to the same period in 2024. This growth signals a recovery and a renewed interest in travel from these major markets, showcasing the potential for economic growth in the UK through increased tourism. Additionally, business class bookings from Australia also saw a notable rise of 10%, indicating a broader trend of affluence in travel among these regions. Regional airports in the UK, such as Glasgow and Newcastle, are poised to benefit from this influx, with expectations of a 18% and 45% increase in inbound passenger numbers, respectively, in the second half of 2025. This expected growth not only highlights the importance of these strategic routes but also emphasizes the critical role that Emirate’s operations play in connecting international travelers to the UK. All flights on these routes require a transition through Dubai, underscoring Emirates’ strategic hub location. In light of these advancements, Emirates has undertaken strategic initiatives, including signing a declaration of intent with VisitBritain, aimed at bolstering inbound tourism to the UK. Jabr Al-Azeeby, Emirates’ UK divisional vice president, remarked on the significance of the UK market in their global network and acknowledged the beneficial impact of increased arrivals from key regions like Australia, India, and China. The relationship with VisitBritain is intended to enhance tourism from these crucial markets further, thereby supporting local economies and creating jobs. The UK government is actively striving towards its goal of achieving 50 million international visitors by the year 2030. In 2024, the UK welcomed approximately 41.2 million visitors, showcasing the steady demand for international travel. The chief executive of VisitBritain, Patricia Yates, emphasized that the expansion of airline routes and increased seat capacity at regional airports is vital to maintaining the UK’s competitive edge in tourism. She projected that international visitors are expected to contribute over £34 billion to the UK economy this year, underscoring the importance of accessible travel options in boosting overall spending across the nation. This trend is indeed encouraging for the UK’s tourism sector, further solidifying the role of airlines like Emirates in driving growth and economic vitality within various locales across Britain.