Oct. 24, 2026 • 4 min read Jump to section Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Copy URL Email The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information. Emirates has no plans to slow its expansion in Dubai anytime soon.
The Gulf carrier is eyeing potential flights to Denver International Airport (DEN), Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) and Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). Those are just some options from a list of markets that "goes on and on," Emirates president Tim Clark said in an interview on the sidelines of the Routes World conference this week.
"There aren't many cities in the world that we will not be able to touch if we want to get there," he said.
Emirates last added a U.S. destination in 2021, when it launched flights to Miami International Airport (MIA) to replace service to nearby Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), according to Cirium schedules. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) was its last entirely new destination in 2017.
The number of cities Emirates can serve profitably from Dubai International Airport (DXB) will increase as it takes delivery of more efficient next-generation aircraft. Its order book includes more than 300 Airbus A350s, Boeing 787s and the long-delayed Boeing 777Xs, with options to convert some of its latest 777-9 orders to the smaller 777-8 or a potential larger 777-10 variant.
Emirates expects its first 777-9s with 300-400 seats in 2027, Clark said. The plane was originally scheduled to arrive in 2020.
Clark declined to comment on the plane's interior plans, except to say they will be "stylish, luxurious and cool."
"Nobody is going to be disappointed regardless of the class of travel they travel in," he said.
Despite the ongoing conflicts involving Iran and the Houthis in Yemen, Emirates remains committed to its expansion plans, Clark said.
Daily Newsletter Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s experts Email address Sign up Submitting... By signing up, you will receive newsletters and promotional content and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe at any time.
"The demand in the multiple segments that we have been in traditionally is still strong for us," he said on the current environment.
Emirates is the dominant carrier at Dubai International Airport (DXB), where it has benefited from flight suspensions by several Western airlines. The carrier's extensive network connects travelers from Europe and North America to destinations across India, Southeast Asia and Africa.
Clark pointed to Bangkok as one example of continued strong demand, noting that flights to the Thai capital remain full.
And Emirates remains profitable despite the hit from high jet fuel prices, he added.
The average price of kerosene stood at $4.58 per gallon during the week ending Oct. 16, according to data from the trade group IATA.
Emirates and United Airlines launched a codeshare and loyalty tie-up between their respective Skywards and MileagePlus programs in…