Emirates to Suspend Second Daily Dubai-Perth Flight

‍DUBAI — Emirates (EK) will suspend its second daily flight between Dubai and Perth, with the last service scheduled for October 25, 2025. 

The route had only resumed in December 2024, following a suspension that had been in place since 2019. According to the airline, the decision follows an operational review conducted ahead of its winter 2025 schedule.

The Boeing 777 Flight Will Go, A380 Stays

The suspended service is EK424/425, operated with a Boeing 777-300ER. It typically departed Dubai in the morning and arrived in Perth early the next day, around midnight, while the return flight took off later in the day.

After 26 October, only the EK420/421 rotation will continue, which uses the Airbus A380. That flight leaves Perth at night and arrives in Dubai early morning. Emirates has confirmed that passengers booked on the cancelled service will be moved to this remaining flight.

Emirates Says It’s About Fleet Utilisation

A spokesperson from Emirates said this decision is part of a routine network and resource evaluation, aimed at optimising aircraft deployment across Australia. No issues specific to Perth were mentioned; however, with limited aircraft and growing global demand, the airline is reallocating capacity to routes that are performing better.

When EK424/425 was reintroduced last year, it was seen as a boost for tourism and business travel to Western Australia. WA’s Tourism Minister, Rita Saffioti, even stated at the time that the extra flight could help bring in over 129,000 international visitors annually. So this reversal will feel like a step back.

Around 2,000 Weekly Seats Will Be Lost

Cutting this service means around 2,000 fewer seats per week between Perth and Dubai. With only one flight remaining, passenger options will drop, and airfares could rise, especially during busy travel periods.

The Boeing 777-300ER also allowed for a more flexible arrival into Perth, especially for those needing early morning connections or business meetings the same day. That window will now be gone.

Passenger Demand and Route Performance

Emirates hasn’t offered a clear reason for suspending the Boeing 777 service; the move likely signals a decrease in demand for the second daily flight. The A380 service, which will continue, has generally been more popular, thanks to its higher capacity and enhanced onboard comfort.

Some industry observers believe the 777 flights may not have performed that well since their return in December 2024. The schedule, which brought the aircraft into Perth early in the morning, may not have been as convenient as the night-time departure preferred by many long-haul travellers.

Currently, premium economy is not offered on either of Emirates’ Perth services, although the airline has introduced the cabin on a growing number of long-haul routes elsewhere.

No Other Cuts Announced

There have been no changes so far to Emirates’ flights from other Australian cities, such as Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane. Perth is the only location affected this time around, and the airline hasn't indicated any further route suspensions for the region.

The remaining A380 services will continue to connect Perth with Dubai and beyond, offering the usual access to Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

What to Expect Going Forward

For now, Emirates will be running just one daily flight between Perth and Dubai. It’s the same A380 rotation that has been operating for years: no new aircraft upgrades, no added frequencies, just one strong, consistent service.

Whether the second flight makes a comeback again in the future will likely depend on demand, economics, and Emirates’ aircraft availability. But for now, Perth flyers will have fewer options and tighter seat availability starting late October.

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