Passengers traveling between Dubai and Riyadh will soon have more opportunities to experience Emirates’ newly refurbished Boeing 777 aircraft. Starting March 30, 2025, the airline will introduce the upgraded planes on EK815 and EK816. A third daily flight, EK817 and EK818, will begin on May 7, 2025, operating six times a week before becoming a daily service on August 11, 2025.
The airline first deployed the retrofitted Boeing 777 on Riyadh flights in October 2024 with EK819 and EK820. The positive response from travelers encouraged Emirates to expand its aircraft use, making Riyadh the first city in the Middle East/GCC to be exclusively served by this fleet type.
Enhanced Cabin Experience for Riyadh Travelers
The newly upgraded aircraft offer an improved experience in all travel classes. Passengers flying Premium Economy will enjoy spacious seats in a 2-4-2 layout. Business Class has been redesigned with a 1-2-1 configuration, allowing direct aisle access for all passengers. The First Class section features private suites, while the Economy Class cabin has also been refreshed.
Emirates is steadily increasing the number of destinations served by the retrofitted Boeing 777s. More cities are set to receive these upgraded aircraft in the coming months as part of the airline’s broader plans to enhance comfort across its network.
In addition to onboard enhancements, Emirates introduced Chauffeur-Drive Services (CDS) in Riyadh in November 2024. This service is available to First and Business Class passengers, providing a seamless transportation experience that reflects the airline’s premium standards. Riyadh remains the only regional destination where Emirates offers this exclusive service.
