Airline hails spike in premium bookings to the UK

Airline Emirates has recorded a surge in bookings from affluent visitors to the UK, which it claimed is “driving forward economic growth” in the country.

Bookings for first class seats on flights from China and India during the first half of the year were up 27% and 17% respectively, compared with the same period in 2024, according to the carrier.

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.”

Published: 04/08/2025 by Radio NewsHub