Emirates carried more than 8.6 million passengers in July and August, and entering the winter travel season with bookings gaining momentum across key markets, a press release said.

The airline is currently operating at around 93% of its pre-disruption capacity, while demand from South Africa, Brazil, India, Portugal, Egypt, Ghana, Colombia, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan is tracking ahead of last year. Nepal is also showing strong demand through the Emirates-flydubai partnership.

More than 500,000 passengers arrived in Dubai on Emirates flights in late August, up 7% year-on-year, reflecting strong inbound demand as residents returned ahead of the new academic year and visitors arrived for late-summer breaks.

Emirates has also accelerated fleet and product upgrades. Since January, the airline has received 18 aircraft including 11 A350s and seven Boeing 777 freighters, with six more A350s due by year-end. Its retrofit program has now covered 104 aircraft, taking the number offering Premium Economy and the latest cabin products to 137.

Premium Economy is now available on services to 90 destinations, while almost 50 Emirates aircraft are equipped with Starlink high-speed inflight connectivity.

Network expansion will continue through winter. Helsinki will join the Emirates network on October 1 with the A350, while additional frequencies are planned for Accra, Tokyo Narita, Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. One Delhi service will also be upgraded to an A380.