By Dubai, UAE – April 03, 2025 – Emirates has revealed that the Maldives will be among the next eight destinations to welcome the airline’s Boeing 777 aircraft with fully upgraded cabins, as part of its ambitious retrofit program. The initiative, progressing at an impressive rate, sees one aircraft receiving a comprehensive nose-to-tail overhaul every three weeks, ensuring customers enjoy refreshed interiors and an elevated travel experience.
Starting 1 June 2025, passengers traveling to the Maldives on flights EK 658/659 will experience the enhanced onboard environment, with additional upgrades rolling out on EK 656/657 and EK 660/661 from 15 July 2025. The retrofitted Boeing 777s feature a modern four-class configuration, including the airline’s signature Premium Economy and revamped Business Class cabins.
Emirates is set to extend its refurbished aircraft to 44 cities by September 2025, deploying both upgraded Boeing 777s and Airbus A380s across its global network. Other destinations joining the Maldives in this phase include:
- Lisbon, Portugal: All flights to and from Lisbon will feature upgraded Boeing 777 cabins starting 1 June 2025.
- Dublin, Ireland: The latest Business and Premium Economy cabins will debut on 25 June 2025.
- Hong Kong, SAR: Set to become the second Chinese city served by the retrofitted B777 from 15 July 2025.
- Kolkata, India: Four weekly flights with refreshed interiors will begin on 10 August 2025.
- Colombo, Sri Lanka: Daily EK 650/651 flights will feature the upgraded B777 from 10 August 2025.
- Johannesburg and Cape Town, South Africa: Premium Economy and refreshed Business Class cabins will launch on 1 September and 20 September 2025, respectively.
- London Stansted, UK: A second daily service with upgraded interiors will commence on 1 June 2025.
The retrofit program, one of the aviation industry’s largest, encompasses over 220 aircraft—both Boeing 777s and Airbus A380s—and represents a US$5 billion investment by Emirates to enhance customer experience worldwide. The refurbished Boeing 777 offers 24 Premium Economy seats, 260 Economy Class seats, and a Business Class layout in a 1-2-1 configuration, providing privacy, direct aisle access, and ample space for work or relaxation.
Tickets for these enhanced flights are now available for booking on emirates.com, the Emirates App, at Emirates Retail stores, or through online and offline travel agents. With this expansion, Emirates continues to set the standard for luxury and innovation in air travel, delivering exceptional products and services to its global customer base.
