Emirates is increasing its flight capacity between Dubai and Durban with 14 additional services scheduled across December 2026 and January 2027, providing travellers with greater flexibility during the peak holiday season. The extra flights will cater to passengers visiting family and friends, escaping the Northern Hemisphere winter, or taking year-end holidays in South Africa and beyond.
The additional services will operate between 17 and 23 December 2026 and 2 and 8 January 2027, introducing a second daily flight between Dubai and Durban. The flights will be operated using a three-class Boeing 777 aircraft. Flight EK2535 will depart Dubai at 04:00 and arrive in Durban at 10:30, while the return service, EK2536, will leave Durban at 12:15 and reach Dubai at 22:30. Emirates' existing daily services, EK775 and EK776, will continue to operate according to their regular schedules.
The expanded schedule will also provide Durban residents with more opportunities to explore international destinations during the holidays. Through Emirates' Dubai hub, passengers can connect to more than 140 destinations across the airline's global network. Popular destinations among Durban travellers in December include Dubai, Thailand, Indonesia, India, France and the United Kingdom, all accessible through the airline's connecting services.
Durban also offers a wide range of attractions during the Southern Hemisphere's summer season, including festivals, live music events, beachfront fireworks, cultural and heritage experiences, and diverse dining options. The city welcomed approximately 1.2 million visitors during the festive period last year. Emirates' additional flights are expected to support Durban's tourism ambitions by improving access for international visitors, particularly from markets such as India, China, Indonesia and Mexico, which are supported by the introduction of South Africa's Electronic Travel Authorisation system. Travellers from Europe and other Northern Hemisphere destinations can also take advantage of connections through Dubai to enjoy Durban's warm weather, beaches and festive atmosphere.
To provide greater flexibility, Emirates has introduced several booking options to accommodate changing travel plans. Customers booking tickets to Dubai can benefit from unlimited free date changes across all cabins, while tickets to other destinations across the airline's network include one free date change. The airline's Hold My Fare service allows customers to secure a ticket price for 24 hours at no additional cost while finalising their arrangements. Emirates has also significantly reduced its refund fees.
For additional peace of mind, travellers from South Africa and 26 other countries can purchase Emirates' Comprehensive Travel Cover when booking through emirates.com or later via the Manage Your Booking section. The insurance provides unlimited worldwide medical expense coverage, emergency evacuation assistance, and protection against trip cancellations and baggage delays or loss.
Prime Group Recognised as Sri Lanka’s Most Respected Real Estate Organisation in LMD’s 2026 Rankings
Prime Group has been recognised in LMD’s Most Respected Entities 2026, securing the prestigious Sector Winner – Most Respected Real Estate Organisation title. The Group also received recognition for Business Expansion, Aspirational Workplace and Employee Well-being, highlighting its achievements across multiple areas of business performance.
In addition to these honours, Prime Group earned recognition for Business Innovation, Corporate Culture, Corporate Dynamism, Corporate Sustainability, Ethical Outlook, Leadership Profile, National Perspective, Strategic Vision and Quality Consciousness. These accolades reflect the Group’s broad-based achievements and its continued focus on maintaining high standards across its operations.
With more than three decades of experience, Prime Group has made a significant contribution to Sri Lanka’s real estate sector through a diverse portfolio of land, housing and apartment developments. Operating across 18 districts, the Group has delivered more than 10,000 land projects and over 70 housing and apartment developments, helping customers access property ownership, investment opportunities and modern lifestyles.
For Prime Group, being named the country’s Most Respected Real Estate Organisation represents more than an industry award. It signifies the confidence and trust built among generations of customers, alongside the Group’s commitment to creating sustainable, long-term value through developments that reflect changing customer needs and aspirations.
This commitment is demonstrated through a portfolio encompassing a wide range of property segments and residential experiences. Prime Marina at Port City Colombo represents a landmark waterfront development that contributes to Sri Lanka’s evolving real estate landscape. Meanwhile, YOLO Kiribathgoda and Venezia Negombo showcase the Group’s approach to contemporary living. Its premium developments, including Elizabeth Colombo 07, Monvie Colombo 05 and The Golf Colombo 08, further demonstrate its presence across diverse residential and lifestyle categories.
Commenting on the achievement, Ruminda Randeniya, Chief Executive Officer of Prime Group, said, “Being recognised as Sri Lanka’s Most Respected Real Estate Organisation is a testament to the trust our customers have placed in us over the years and the dedication of our people. As we continue to expand our portfolio and explore new opportunities, our vision remains to create exceptional value for our customers while elevating Sri Lanka’s real estate industry on the global stage. We are committed to building on our legacy of excellence and taking Sri Lankan real estate to the world.”
As Sri Lanka’s real estate industry continues to evolve, Prime Group remains committed to strengthening its market presence through innovation, responsible business practices and customer-focused development. The latest recognition by LMD marks another significant milestone in the Group’s journey, reinforcing the principles that have guided its operations since its establishment in 1995.
Emirates Increases Durban Flights to Meet Festive Season Travel Demand
