Dubai, Emirates Airlines have announced it will commence an Airbus A380 service on its London Gatwick  route marking 25 years of service since it started operations to the airport. The Emirates’ double decker, which carries over 500 passengers, will be the first A380 service to Gatwick Airport. 

Emirates first flew to the United Kingdom (UK) on 6th July, 1987 with a daily service to Gatwick. Today, the airline operates 16 daily flights from UK airports to Dubai where passengers may connect to a network of over 120 destinations worldwide. The A380 will operate one of Emirates’ three daily flights to Gatwick.

Salem Obaidalla, Emirates’ senior vice president, commercial operations, Europe & Russian Federation, said,  “Emirates has changed the face of UK air travel since we took off from Gatwick 25 years ago.

“Since that time, millions of travellers have flown with us from our six UK departure points to Dubai and beyond.”

“As our network has grown, we have not only introduced new overseas destinations to UK travellers, but have also helped to build trade links for the UK with markets across the globe. We have contributed to the UK economy through job creation, inbound tourism and cargo exports.”

Guy Stephenson, Gatwick Airport’s chief commercial officer added, “The arrival of a scheduled Emirates A380 flight from Dubai for the first time at Gatwick is a double celebration.

“It marks the 25 years that Emirates have been operating in the UK, with Gatwick being their first airport. It is also the first time that Gatwick has welcomed a scheduled A380 flight - a huge achievement for the airport.” 

Emirates directly employs over 500 people in the UK and more than 2,500 British nationals across the Emirates Group globally.