Airline hails spike in premium bookings to the UK
For travel from Australia, the increase in business class bookings was 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 involve changing planes in Dubai.
The airline recently signed a declaration of intent with tourism agency VisitBritain to boost inbound tourism.
Emirates UK divisional vice president Jabr Al-Azeeby said: 'The UK is one of the most important markets in Emirates' global network, and the growth in bookings we've seen over the past year reflects that.
'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.'
The Government's ambition is for the UK to have 50 million international visitors a year by 2030.
An estimated 41.2 million inbound visits were made 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.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
12 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Major airline named one of the world's best to launch even more flights from the UK
And what it is like to fly in their business class TAKING OFF Major airline named one of the world's best to launch even more flights from the UK Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) EMIRATES has revealed plans to launch even more flights from the UK. Last year, the airlines was named the best in the world by our own Sun Travel Awards. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Emirates will be launching a fourth daily flight from London Gatwick to Dubai Credit: Emirates Win one of 8 incredible holidays to the Caribbean, Mexico and Greece by voting in The Sun's Travel Awards - enter to win here And starting on February 8, 2026 an additional flight to Dubai will launch from London Gatwick. This will also bring the airline's total flights to 12 across three London airports. The new service will depart Dubai at 5:05pm and arrive in London Gatwick at 8:50pm. The return flight will then depart London Gatwick at 11:55pm and land in Dubai at 11am. Operated by the airline's newest aircraft - the Airbus A350 - the service will have 32 lie-flat Business Class seats in a 1-2-1 layout, 28 Premium Economy seats and 238 Economy Class seats. For those in Business Class, there will also be wireless charging while those in premium classes can enjoy electric window blinds. Flights currently start from £549 return, and take around eight hours. Overall, the airline - which was named fourth best in the world this year by the SKYTRAX awards - will operate 140 weekly flights to eight destinations in the UK. These include London Gatwick, London Heathrow, Newcastle, Birmingham, Glasgow, Edinburgh, London Stanstead and Manchester. Inside Emirates premium economy cabin Emirates' A350 is already flying to several destinations including Mumbai and Istanbul. And the SKYTRAX awards named the airline the best premium economy class airline seat and most family friendly airline in the Middle East too. Last month the airline revealed that it was rolling out brand-new business suites on some of its Boeing 737 MAXs - which are due to appear later this year. The suites will all have sliding doors and 1-1 seating, which faces away from the aisle to provide privacy when the door is open. And there is a 17-inch touchscreen for watching films too. The Sun's Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski previously tried out Emirates' business class seats. She said: "If you're travelling solo, you can opt for a window seat which comes in single rows while couples can opt for the duo seats in the middle. "The plush mini pillow, eye mask, blanket and thick 'mattress' (essentially a padded topper for your seat), help get some sleep too, as well as amenity kids with toothbrush and paste, mini deodorant and his and hers perfumes. "You won't be surprised to the food is fancy too – with three-course dinners and lunches served with proper cutlery." Full list of the top 25 budget airlines for 2025 HERE are the top 25 Safest Low-Cost Airlines for 2025 Hong Kong Express Jetstar Group Ryanair easyJet Frontier Airlines AirAsia Wizz Air VietJet Air Southwest Airlines Volaris flydubai Norwegian Vueling Jet2 Sun Country Airlines WestJet JetBlue Airways Air Arabia IndiGo Eurowings Allegiant Air Cebu Pacific ZipAir SKY Airline Air Baltic In other news, the world's biggest airport with 185million passengers is set to open by 2030 – and it could have direct UK flights. Plus, a major airline is launching new UK flights to a popular African holiday destination.
Scottish Sun
42 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
First four car models that will qualify for £1,500 discount revealed – and they're all from same maker
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE first four car models set to quality for a handy £1,500 discount have been revealed. The electric cars have been approved for the discount after a government scheme to cut the price of EV's was greenlit. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 The Citroen E-C3 is one of four vehicles approved for a £1,500 discount Credit: Citroen 4 The new Citroen E-C4 will also be slashed Credit: Citoen The taxpayer-funded drive will mean the motors, all from French carmaker Citroën, will be sold with the grant from this week. The models – the e-C3, e–C4, e-C5 Aircross and the e-Berlingo can be picked up by petrolheads without the need to fill out pesky paperwork. The £650million Electric Car Grant (ECG) was passed in an attempt to slash emissions and boost electric vehicle sales in the UK. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: "With the first four models approved today and more to come over the next few weeks, this summer we're making owning an electric car cheaper, easier and a reality for thousands more people across the UK. "Once again we're delivering our Plan for Change by standing firmly on the side of motorists and manufacturers, driving down costs for consumers, supporting jobs and putting money back in people's pockets." Citroën UK managing director Greg Taylor welcomed the move, saying: "We are delighted to be the first to have our electric range... approved and eligible. "At Citroën we want everyone to have the opportunity to make the switch to an electric car and this support will help make our cars more accessible for our customers." The RAC also backed the policy, saying it would ease the cost barrier for drivers looking to go electric. Simon Williams, RAC head of policy, said: "It's great to see the first qualifying models announced for the government's new Electric Car Grant. "Not only does this mean more drivers will benefit from the lower cost of running an electric vehicle, but it's hopefully the sign of more to come from other manufacturers in the weeks ahead." Stellantis Comeback: Jeep Cherokee & Gas-Powered Dodge Charger Returning in 2025 However, Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood has warned that vehicles made in China may not be eligible. Speaking on the BBC's Today programme, she said factories powered by coal are unlikely to meet the Government's strict criteria. She added that only brands reaching minimum environmental standards will be approved for taxpayer support. This has sparked tension with the Chinese government. A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in London said the UK must follow World Trade Organisation rules and avoid discriminatory policies. They warned they are monitoring the situation closely and would defend the rights of Chinese companies. Even BYD — China's biggest EV manufacturer — has confirmed it is applying for the grant but, like Leapmotor, has yet to hear back. There's also doubt over the Dacia Spring's eligibility. Although Dacia is a Renault-owned brand, the Spring is built in Wuhan, China, at a joint venture facility shared with Dongfeng Motor Group. Seven low-cost electric cars expected to benefit from the grant — including the Dacia Spring, MG4, Peugeot e-208, Fiat 500e and Volkswagen ID.3 — though most will only get the lower £1,500 discount unless they can prove greener production credentials. But with the Government now focusing on sustainability standards, many of those could also miss out on the full grant unless their makers can prove they meet the green benchmarks. Tax payers are, however, footing the bill for the £650million subsidy scheme, including for EVs leased through Motability, prompting criticism from some quarters. 4 The Citroen C5 Aircross is also included in the shortlist Credit: Citroen
The Sun
42 minutes ago
- The Sun
Major airline named one of the world's best to launch even more flights from the UK
EMIRATES has revealed plans to launch even more flights from the UK. Last year, the airlines was named the best in the world by our own Sun Travel Awards. Win one of 8 incredible holidays to the Caribbean, Mexico and Greece by voting in The Sun's Travel Awards - enter to win here And starting on February 8, 2026 an additional flight to Dubai will launch from London Gatwick. This will also bring the airline's total flights to 12 across three London airports. The new service will depart Dubai at 5:05pm and arrive in London Gatwick at 8:50pm. The return flight will then depart London Gatwick at 11:55pm and land in Dubai at 11am. Operated by the airline's newest aircraft - the Airbus A350 - the service will have 32 lie-flat Business Class seats in a 1-2-1 layout, 28 Premium Economy seats and 238 Economy Class seats. For those in Business Class, there will also be wireless charging while those in premium classes can enjoy electric window blinds. Flights currently start from £549 return, and take around eight hours. Overall, the airline - which was named fourth best in the world this year by the SKYTRAX awards - will operate 140 weekly flights to eight destinations in the UK. These include London Gatwick, London Heathrow, Newcastle, Birmingham, Glasgow, Edinburgh, London Stanstead and Manchester. Emirates' A350 is already flying to several destinations including Mumbai and Istanbul. And the SKYTRAX awards named the airline the best premium economy class airline seat and most family friendly airline in the Middle East too. Last month the airline revealed that it was rolling out brand-new business suites on some of its Boeing 737 MAXs - which are due to appear later this year. The suites will all have sliding doors and 1-1 seating, which faces away from the aisle to provide privacy when the door is open. And there is a 17-inch touchscreen for watching films too. The Sun's Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski previously tried out Emirates' business class seats. She said: "If you're travelling solo, you can opt for a window seat which comes in single rows while couples can opt for the duo seats in the middle. "The plush mini pillow, eye mask, blanket and thick 'mattress' (essentially a padded topper for your seat), help get some sleep too, as well as amenity kids with toothbrush and paste, mini deodorant and his and hers perfumes. "You won't be surprised to the food is fancy too – with three-course dinners and lunches served with proper cutlery." In other news, the world's biggest airport with 185million passengers is set to open by 2030 – and it could have direct UK flights. Plus, a major airline is launching new UK flights to a popular African holiday destination.
