Emirates Airlines has announced it will introduce a third daily flight to Barcelona, starting on 26 October 2025. This expansion aims to significantly boost air connectivity between Dubai and the popular Catalonian capital, addressing the increasing demand for international travel and facilitating connections to major global destinations within the airline’s extensive route network.

The addition of this new service positions Emirates as a key player in enhancing Spain’s connectivity to the world. The decision follows a considerable rise in travel demand between Spain and the UAE, particularly for onward travel to Asia and the Indian Ocean region.

Currently, Emirates operates 28 weekly flights to Spain, which includes 14 flights each to Madrid and Barcelona. Of particular note, seven of the Barcelona flights extend to Mexico City, providing convenient transatlantic options for travelers from Spain and beyond. With the new third daily flight, Emirates will increase the total weekly frequency to 21 flights between Dubai and Barcelona, improving capacity and timing flexibility for both business and leisure travelers.

Travelers flying from Barcelona will benefit from easier access to popular holiday destinations across the Emirates network, such as the Maldives, Bangkok, Bali, Hong Kong, and Singapore. The new flight schedule will be optimized for smoother connections at Dubai International Airport, enhancing the travel experience for passengers. For instance, a traveler leaving Barcelona in the morning will be able to connect seamlessly to an afternoon flight to the Maldives, arriving by evening, thus reducing layovers and allowing for more efficient travel itineraries.

Passengers on the new service can expect the renowned Emirates onboard experience, which includes regionally inspired gourmet meals curated by international chefs, award-winning service from a multilingual cabin crew, and a wide selection of premium beverages. The airline’s signature “ice” inflight entertainment system features up to 6,500 channels of on-demand entertainment, including movies, music, TV shows, podcasts, and games.

Emirates is expected to use a combination of Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 aircraft for the Barcelona route, offering various seating options, including First Class private suites, Business Class lie-flat seats, and spacious Economy cabins.

As one of Europe’s most visited cities, Barcelona attracts millions of tourists each year. The introduction of this additional service will not only support inbound tourism to Spain but also facilitate outbound travel from Europe to the Middle East, Asia, and beyond. Furthermore, the enhanced connectivity is anticipated to stimulate business travel and trade between Spain and the UAE, providing a more efficient travel schedule for corporate travelers and commercial delegations.

This expanded schedule aligns with broader tourism development strategies in both Dubai and Spain, which focus on promoting sustainable growth in international arrivals. Emirates has built a strong reputation for world-class service and operational reliability over the years. By increasing frequencies to high-demand destinations like Barcelona, the airline reinforces its value proposition as a trusted global connector.

As global travel continues to rebound and demand for international flights surges, Emirates’ decision to enhance its presence in Spain reflects both confidence in the market and a commitment to customer-centric expansion. The new third daily flight is expected to elevate the travel experience for Emirates customers and contribute to economic benefits, including job creation and tourism revenue.

Travelers will be able to book the new service later this year, with full schedules and aircraft details set to be announced in the coming months. As Emirates continues to expand and innovate, passengers can look forward to greater flexibility, better connections, and unmatched onboard comfort, whether traveling for business, leisure, or long-haul journeys.