Emirates Elevates Madrid Route with Retrofitted Boeing 777 Featuring Premium Economy and Luxury Cabins
MADRID, SPAIN — Starting 16 September 2025, Emirates will launch its retrofitted Boeing 777 on the Dubai–Madrid route, offering a significant upgrade in passenger comfort and service. This move introduces Spain’s first-ever Emirates flight with the airline’s Premium Economy cabin, complemented by redesigned Business Class interiors and enhancements across all cabins. The development marks a new milestone in Emirates’ ongoing commitment to providing luxury air travel across its European network.
The refitted aircraft will serve flights EK143/EK144, connecting Dubai International Airport (DXB) with Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD). EK143 departs Dubai at 14:30hrs, arriving in Madrid at 20:20hrs local time. The return flight EK144 leaves Madrid at 22:05hrs, landing in Dubai the next morning at 07:10hrs local time.
Premium Travel Experience Across All Cabins
The new Boeing 777 cabin design is part of Emirates’ ambitious US$3 billion retrofit program, which aims to modernize over 220 aircraft by 2026. The upgrade follows the successful refurbishment of 61 aircraft, including 31 Airbus A380s and 30 Boeing 777s to date.
For passengers traveling to or from Madrid, the upgraded aircraft introduces the award-winning Premium Economy cabin, featuring:
- Spacious seating with recliner-style chairs
- Six-way adjustable headrests
- Up to 40 inches of legroom
- A larger 13.3-inch HD screen
- Enhanced meal and beverage service
Meanwhile, the revamped Business Class now offers:
- Privacy-enhancing staggered seating layout
- Lie-flat seats with direct aisle access
- Stylish woodgrain finishes and ambient lighting
- Personal minibars and larger HD screens
First Class passengers continue to enjoy Emirates’ signature private suites, offering a fully enclosed cabin, personal wardrobe, gourmet dining on demand, and a 24-inch entertainment screen.
Enhanced In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity
Passengers aboard the new Emirates Boeing 777 can also enjoy an upgraded ice entertainment system, now offering over 6,500 channels, including:
- Latest blockbusters, series, documentaries
- Over 260 Spanish-language channels
- Multilingual options including Arabic, French, and German
- Music playlists, podcasts, and live TV
Emirates has also enhanced its Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing passengers to stay connected throughout the flight, with free chat access for Skywards members.
Culinary Excellence at 40,000 Feet
Dining on board remains a highlight of the Emirates experience. The airline continues to offer:
- Regionally inspired gourmet meals
- Carefully curated wines and spirits
- Special meals catering to dietary, cultural, and religious preferences
For Madrid-bound passengers, menus often include Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine, created with locally sourced ingredients and served on fine china with stainless steel cutlery.
Strategic Importance of Madrid Route
The introduction of the retrofitted Boeing 777 underscores the strategic significance of Madrid in Emirates’ European expansion. As Spain’s capital and a key cultural and business destination, Madrid connects easily with over 140 Emirates destinations via Dubai.
According to AENA, Madrid–Barajas Airport handled over 60 million passengers in 2023, making it one of Europe’s top ten busiest hubs. With growing tourism and business links between Spain, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia, the demand for premium air services continues to rise.
This upgraded Emirates service also offers excellent connectivity for passengers traveling to or from the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Australia, with multiple daily flights feeding into the Dubai–Madrid route.
Strengthening Emirates’ Position in Europe
Emirates currently flies to over 40 destinations across Europe, and Madrid becomes the first Spanish city to receive the upgraded Boeing 777. This reflects the airline’s focus on enhancing customer experience in strategic markets and staying ahead in an increasingly competitive long-haul travel sector.
In a statement, Emirates emphasized its “dedication to providing passengers with world-class luxury, innovation, and connectivity, ensuring a seamless journey across continents.”
Travel Outlook and Booking Information
Tickets for the upgraded Dubai–Madrid flights are already on sale via emirates.com, Emirates’ mobile app, and travel agents worldwide. Passengers are encouraged to book early to secure Premium Economy and Business Class seats, which are expected to see strong demand, especially during the autumn travel season.
Emirates’ announcement comes as global long-haul travel continues to rebound, with IATA reporting a 20% year-over-year increase in international passenger traffic in Europe during Q2 2025. The airline’s investment in onboard innovation positions it strongly to meet this growing demand.
Conclusion:
With its latest upgrade on the Dubai–Madrid route, Emirates is redefining what travelers can expect from international air travel. From cutting-edge cabin design to refined inflight service, the retrofitted Boeing 777 exemplifies Emirates’ ongoing mission to deliver a seamless, luxurious, and globally connected experience.
Whether flying for business or leisure, passengers between Spain and the world can now enjoy a new benchmark in comfort and service, only on Emirates.
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