Emirates (EK)

On September 3, 2026, the airline Emirates unveiled a new Premium Economy seat for its Airbus A350s. Each passenger will be able to raise or lower an electrically operated divider from their seat. It extends to the top of the seatback. The airline highlights greater privacy for working, dining or relaxing.

The cabin will feature 28 seats arranged across four rows in a 2-3-2 configuration. Emirates says the seats are 20 inches wide, or 50.8 cm, and have a maximum seat pitch of 39 inches, or 99 cm. The seats will also feature charging sockets and a 4K entertainment screen.

The Dubai-based airline is presenting this product as a world first in Premium Economy. The first routes to feature the new seats have not yet been announced. This new seat will be installed on new Airbus A350s delivered to Emirates.

As many travellers question the risks associated with airspace closures, flight cancellations, or situations of instability in certain regions of the world, Emirates is launching a particularly comprehensive insurance cover designed to give its passengers greater peace of mind. The airline is thus becoming one of the first in the industry to offer coverage this extensive, tailored to the new realities of air travel. This new protection notably includes international coverage for medical expenses and emergency evacuation, compensation in the event of trip cancellation, as well as compensation for delays or lost baggage. One of the main new features is coverage for certain conflict-related incidents, with a refund of up to 25,000 dollars for eligible medical expenses and the option to extend one's stay by up to 30 days at no additional cost. For Emirates passengers, the benefits go beyond insurance. In the event of major disruption or airspace closure, the airline also provides practical assistance, including accommodation on site and, if necessary, rerouting to the final destination via other airlines at no additional cost. This approach is intended to prevent travellers from being stranded far from home during exceptional events. This new offer meets the growing demand for security and flexibility expressed by international travellers. In an environment where unforeseen events can quickly disrupt an itinerary, Emirates is seeking to stand out by offering a more reassuring travel experience, whether for a stay in Dubai, a long-haul trip, or a connection through its global hub. Available when booking or as a later addition to an existing ticket, this insurance could become a major selling point for travellers wishing to set off with greater protection, particularly to destinations where travel conditions can change rapidly.

During Ramadan, Emirates distributes iftar boxes during boarding and in flight, enabling passengers to break their fast at sunset. These boxes contain water, laban, dates and fruit. In its Dubai lounges, the airline offers tailored buffets featuring Arabic specialties and traditional dishes. On board, special meals complement the standard service on certain routes. They include dates, mezze, a hot sandwich and oriental pastries. A tool accurately calculates the imsak and iftar times according to the aircraft’s position. The captain announces the exact time to break the fast. The ICE system displays the prayer times and the direction of the qibla toward Mecca. The airline also assists pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia with dedicated services, including the transportation of Zamzam water.