Middle East’s largest international airline upgrades flights to Africa’s second-richest country with Premium Economy
Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, will introduce its Premium Economy cabin on two of its three daily flights between Mauritius and Dubai from September 1, 2026, expanding its premium offering in one of Africa’s wealthiest and most tourism-driven economies.
Black News 
Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, will introduce its Premium Economy cabin on two of its three daily flights between Mauritius and Dubai from September 1, 2026, expanding its premium offering in one of Africa’s wealthiest and most tourism-driven economies.
- Emirates will introduce Premium Economy on two daily Mauritius-Dubai flights starting September 1, 2026.
- Premium Economy will be available on Airbus A380 (EK703/704) and retrofitted Boeing 777 (EK709/710) aircraft.
- Premium Economy cabins offer wider seats, increased legroom, upgraded meals, amenities, and priority services for long-haul passengers.
- Mauritian travelers can access Premium Economy to about 70 international destinations, including London and Bangkok, further boosting Mauritius' connectivity.
The Dubai-based carrier, owned by the Government of Dubai through the Investment Corporation of Dubai, also operates the world’s largest Airbus A380 fleet, underpinning an extensive network across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas and the Middle East.
Under the new arrangement, Premium Economy will be available on flights EK703 and EK704, operated by an Airbus A380, and EK709 and EK710, served by a retrofitted Boeing 777.
The upgrade gives travellers another option between Economy and Business Class while strengthening Emirates’ premium offering on a route linking Mauritius with Dubai and onward destinations.
Mauritius strengthens its premium travel market
Mauritius is Africa’s second-richest country by income per capita, behind Seychelles, and has developed a diversified economy built around tourism, financial services, manufacturing and agriculture.
The island also has one of Africa’s strongest passports. According to the Henley Passport Index, Mauritius ranks second in Africa, behind Seychelles, with access to 148 destinations without obtaining a visa in advance.
That level of mobility, combined with the country’s strong tourism sector and relatively high incomes, makes international aviation important to both business and leisure travel.
Against that backdrop, Emirates’ decision to add Premium Economy increases options for passengers seeking more comfort without moving into Business Class.
The A380 operating EK703 and EK704 will feature 76 Business Class seats, 56 Premium Economy seats and 437 Economy Class seats.
Meanwhile, the Boeing 777 serving EK709 and EK710 will offer 38 Business Class seats, 24 Premium Economy seats and 214 Economy Class seats.
“Mauritius has always been an important market for Emirates, and the introduction of Premium Economy on the route is another demonstration of our continued commitment to our Mauritian customers as well as the nation’s travel and tourism industry,” Oomar Ramtoola, Emirates’ Manager for the Indian Ocean Islands, said.
Emirates targets long-haul travellers
According to the airline, Premium Economy targets passengers seeking additional space and comfort on longer journeys.
The cabin features wider seats, more legroom, greater recline, adjustable headrests, footrests, charging points and larger personal entertainment screens.
Passengers also receive upgraded meals, amenity kits, blankets and pillows, along with priority boarding and access to dedicated Premium Economy check-in facilities at Dubai International Airport.
Beyond Dubai, Mauritian passengers will be able to continue their journeys in Premium Economy to about 70 destinations across Europe, Asia and the Americas.
These include selected flights to Bangkok and all six daily Emirates services to London Heathrow.
