Emirates has recorded a surge in bookings from affluent visitors to the UK, which it claimed is “driving forward economic growth” in the country.
The Dubai-based airline reported significant increases in luxury travel from key markets during the first half of the year compared with the same period in 2024.
Bookings for first class seats on flights from China and India jumped by 27% and 17% respectively, the carrier said. Business class bookings from Australia also rose by 10%.
Emirates said regional UK airports such as Glasgow and Newcastle are expected to see an increasing number of Chinese visitors, with inbound passenger numbers anticipated to rise by 18% and 45% respectively in the second half of 2025 compared with a year earlier.
All Emirates journeys on these routes require passengers to change planes in Dubai.
The airline recently signed a declaration of intent with tourism agency VisitBritain to boost inbound tourism to the UK.
Jabr Al-Azeeby, Emirates UK divisional vice president, said the UK is "one of the most important markets in Emirates’ global network".
“We’ve seen a noticeable increase in inbound arrivals from key destinations such as Australia, India, and China, driving forward economic growth here in the UK.
"Our partnership with VisitBritain underscores our commitment to grow tourism for the UK from key strategic markets," Al-Azeeby added.
The Government has set a target for the UK to welcome 50 million international visitors annually by 2030.
An estimated 41.2 million inbound visits were made to the UK in 2024.
VisitBritain chief executive Patricia Yates said: “Expanding airline routes and seat capacity into our regional gateways is crucial to our competitive tourism offer.
“International visitors are forecast to spend more than £34 billion in the UK this year.
“Making it easier for visitors to explore our nations and regions boosts that spending across more of Britain, supporting jobs, businesses and driving growth for local economies.”
(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
