Emirates has recorded a surge in premium bookings from wealthy visitors to the UK, with the airline claiming this trend is "driving forward economic growth" in the country. The Dubai-based carrier 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. Business class bookings from Australia also rose by 10%, according to Emirates data.
Regional airports see growth surge
Regional UK airports including Glasgow and Newcastle are expected to welcome increasing numbers of Chinese visitors. Emirates anticipates inbound passenger numbers will rise by 18% in Glasgow and 45% in Newcastle during 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.
Partnership drives tourism ambitions
Jabr Al-Azeeby, Emirates UK divisional vice president, said the UK remains one of the most important markets in the airline's global network. He highlighted the noticeable increase in inbound arrivals from Australia, India and China as evidence of growing economic contribution.
"Our partnership with VisitBritain underscores our commitment to grow tourism for the UK from key strategic markets," Al-Azeeby added. The Government has set an ambitious target for the UK to welcome 50 million international visitors annually by 2030.
Visitor spending reaches billions
An estimated 41.2 million inbound visits were made to the UK in 2024. International visitors are forecast to spend more than £34 billion in the UK this year, according to VisitBritain.
Patricia Yates, VisitBritain chief executive, emphasised the importance of expanding airline routes and seat capacity into regional gateways. She said making it easier for visitors to explore Britain's nations and regions boosts spending across more of the country, supporting jobs and businesses whilst driving growth for local economies.
(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
