Dubai-based carrier Emirates said on Monday it has restored 96 percent of its global network, marking a near-full return to operations after a period of disruption and reinforcing Dubai as a major international aviation hub.

The airline said it is now serving 137 destinations across 72 countries with more than 1,300 weekly flights, representing about 75 percent of its pre-disruption capacity, as it gradually rebuilds frequencies across key regions including Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Africa.

Despite operating a reduced schedule in recent weeks, Emirates carried around 4.7 million passengers, underscoring sustained demand for international travel and continued passenger confidence in the airline, according to the statement.

The carrier said it is increasing flight options and seat availability while maintaining its focus on long-haul service standards, including onboard amenities and connectivity. Its inflight entertainment system offers more than 6,500 channels in multiple languages, while high-speed internet powered by Starlink is now available on a growing number of aircraft.

Emirates also highlighted measures to improve customer flexibility and loyalty. Passengers booking from April 2 are eligible for one free date change across all cabin classes, while the airline’s Dubai Connect programme offers complimentary hotel stays, transfers, and meals for eligible transit passengers facing extended layovers in Dubai.

In addition, members of the Emirates Skywards loyalty programme will be able to access accelerated tier upgrades and bonus miles between May and August, as the airline seeks to stimulate travel demand during the recovery phase.

The latest update reflects broader efforts by global airlines to restore capacity and rebuild networks following recent operational disruptions, with Gulf carriers in particular leveraging their geographic position to reconnect long-haul traffic flows.

Further increases in capacity and destinations are expected in the coming months as Emirates continues to scale up operations, industry observers say, amid resilient demand for international air travel.

Source: Emirates PR