Published on January 17, 2026
Emirates is preparing to adjust its London Gatwick operations through a combination of fleet changes and frequency updates, marking a notable development in the airline’s UK travel network. From early February, Gatwick will see the introduction of the airline’s Airbus A350-900 on scheduled services, alongside revised aircraft deployment across multiple daily flights. The changes reflect a restructured approach to capacity while maintaining year-round connectivity between Dubai and the UK airport.
These updates will directly influence how travelers experience Emirates’ Gatwick services, particularly in terms of aircraft type, cabin availability, and overall seating capacity. While flight frequency will remain consistent throughout the year, the mix of aircraft serving the route will change during specific periods.

Fourth Daily Service and A350 Debut at Gatwick

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From February 8, Emirates will operate a fourth daily service between Dubai and London Gatwick. This additional frequency will be flown using the 298-seat Airbus A350-900, marking the first time the airline’s A350 aircraft are scheduled to operate to London. The A350 service will run year round, strengthening the airline’s daily presence at Gatwick.
With four daily flights in operation, Gatwick will remain a key London gateway in Emirates’ long-haul network. The A350 deployment adds another aircraft type to the route, complementing existing widebody operations and contributing to a diversified fleet mix serving the airport.

The introduction of the A350 coincides with revisions to how Emirates allocates its larger aircraft on the route, particularly during certain months of the year. While the total number of daily services will remain unchanged, aircraft size and cabin layouts will vary across departures.

Revised A380 and Boeing 777 Deployment

As part of the updated plan, Emirates will adjust the use of its Airbus A380 aircraft on the Gatwick route. November is included among the periods when the A380 will not operate to the airport. Previously scheduled A380 services included two flights using a two-class configuration with 615 seats.

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The removal of these A380 services results in a reduction in total seating capacity on the route during the affected periods. To replace these operations, Emirates will deploy Boeing 777-300ER aircraft on selected flights.
According to the schedule in place as of January 15, and subject to change, the 2:50 am and 2:25 pm departures from Dubai, along with the 9:40 am and 8:25 pm departures from Gatwick, will be operated by 421-seat, two-class Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. These services will continue to provide long-haul connectivity between the two cities across multiple daily time slots.
First class will continue to be offered on the Gatwick route through specific Boeing 777-300ER services. The 7:40 am departure from Dubai and the 1:35 pm departure from Gatwick will retain first class cabins. These particular aircraft will not include premium economy seating, and will instead use 777-300ER configurations with either 354 or 360 seats.

What These Changes Mean for Long-Haul Travelers

For travelers using Gatwick as a long-haul departure point, these adjustments reshape the experience without altering the underlying route structure. Multiple daily departures remain available, offering flexibility in travel timing across the day. The presence of different aircraft types introduces variation in onboard environments while preserving consistent connectivity.
From a travel planning perspective, the year-round four-times-daily schedule ensures that Gatwick remains a stable option for passengers moving between the UK and Dubai. Aircraft changes may influence seat availability by cabin on specific flights, making schedule awareness an important factor for travelers when selecting departure times.
The introduction of the A350 also represents a shift in how capacity is distributed across the day, with a smaller aircraft complementing larger widebody operations. This layered approach allows the route to continue operating at high frequency while adjusting total seat supply during certain months.

Capacity Management and Seasonal Travel Patterns

Seasonal adjustments play a recurring role in long-haul travel planning, particularly on routes with multiple daily services. The revised Gatwick schedule reflects a rebalancing of aircraft size during specific periods rather than a reduction in connectivity.
By shifting from the largest aircraft type to smaller widebodies on selected flights, the route continues to operate at full frequency while aligning seating levels with seasonal demand patterns. This approach maintains access for travelers while managing available capacity across the year.
For tourists and leisure travelers, consistent daily service supports planning across different travel seasons, even as aircraft assignments evolve. The continued availability of first class on select flights ensures that premium travel options remain part of the Gatwick offering, while other services prioritize different cabin layouts.

A Stable Route With Evolving Aircraft Choices

Despite the aircraft changes, Emirates’ Gatwick route remains structurally unchanged in terms of frequency and year-round operation. The combination of Airbus A350-900, Boeing 777-300ER, and adjusted A380 deployment reflects a flexible fleet strategy applied within an established travel corridor.
For passengers, the key takeaway lies in the continuity of service alongside evolving onboard configurations. Travelers will continue to have multiple daily options between Dubai and Gatwick, supported by a mix of aircraft types tailored to different periods of the year.
As the updated schedule takes effect, Gatwick’s role within Emirates’ UK network remains intact, supported by consistent frequencies and a diversified fleet presence designed to accommodate varying travel patterns.
Image Source: AI

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Tags: A350, Dubai, Emirates Airlines, Gatwick Airport, UK

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Saturday, January 17, 2026
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Saturday, January 17, 2026
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