Emirates is enhancing its Indian Ocean network with a new daily flight to Mauritius beginning December 2, 2025, reinforcing its leadership on the Middle East–Mauritius luxury route. The new Boeing 777 service will operate in addition to the airline’s two daily Airbus A380 flights, offering passengers unmatched comfort and convenience with up to three cabins including First Class. This expansion increases Emirates’ total flights to Mauritius to three daily services, cementing its role as the preferred airline for long-haul travelers to the island.
Mauritius Luxury Travel Demand Fuels Emirates Expansion
Renowned for its pristine beaches, private resorts, and biodiversity-rich marine life, Mauritius continues to attract affluent travelers from Europe, the Gulf, and Asia. The addition of a third daily flight underscores the island’s rising popularity as a year-round premium travel destination. Emirates’ expanded service not only caters to increased demand during the peak holiday season but also aligns with Mauritius’ national tourism goals to elevate its status as a luxury destination in the Indian Ocean.
Mauritius welcomed over 1.29 million tourists in 2024, according to Statistics Mauritius, with visitor numbers from the UAE, France, Germany, and India rising steadily. The Ministry of Tourism’s strategic focus on high-spending travelers has seen luxury bookings soar, encouraging premium airlines like Emirates to boost seat capacity.
No Gulf Competition Yet—but That Could Change
Emirates currently holds a dominant position on Gulf-to-Mauritius routes, with no direct competition from other major Gulf carriers like Qatar Airways or Etihad Airways. This exclusivity has allowed Emirates to develop strong bilateral ties and shape premium air access to Mauritius from Dubai and connecting markets across Europe, Asia, and North America.
However, the Mauritian government has signaled a potential policy shift, exploring the option of opening its skies to more international carriers. The Civil Aviation Department and the Prime Minister’s Office are reportedly reviewing long-term air access strategies to diversify the country’s airline mix and enhance competition.
Mauritius Eyes Open Skies to Boost Connectivity
Mauritius has historically followed a selective bilateral air service agreement model, granting access to a limited number of carriers to protect national interests. But with post-pandemic recovery well underway, the country is now revisiting its aviation framework to stimulate growth in underserved markets.
According to the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA), diversifying flight options is key to attracting new tourist segments. A more liberal air access policy could invite new players from the Gulf, Africa, and Asia, reshaping the aviation landscape and potentially affecting Emirates’ market exclusivity.
Air Mauritius: A Central Player in Island Connectivity
National flag carrier Air Mauritius plays a crucial role in sustaining Mauritius’ global connectivity. With a modern fleet including Airbus A350-900s, A330-900neos, and ATR72-600 turboprops, the airline operates to destinations in Africa, Asia, and Europe, while maintaining vital inter-island services.
Its long-standing codeshare partnership with Emirates allows seamless travel options via Dubai to cities in Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. Passengers benefit from integrated ticketing, baggage transfers, and coordinated schedules.
In light of potential market liberalization, Air Mauritius is expected to retain its strategic role, particularly as it plans fleet modernization and network expansion through its 2025–2028 corporate growth roadmap.
What Emirates’ New Service Means for Travelers
The introduction of Emirates’ third daily flight not only increases flight availability but also offers travelers more flexibility, especially during the high-demand December holiday period. The airline’s fleet upgrade ensures passengers benefit from Emirates’ world-class inflight experience, including lie-flat First Class suites, premium dining, and ICE entertainment systems.
This new service provides convenient connections to Mauritius from over 130 destinations globally via Dubai International Airport. It particularly benefits key source markets such as London, Paris, Frankfurt, Mumbai, and Sydney, all of which are serviced by Emirates’ extensive long-haul network.
Indian Ocean Strategy: A Long-Term Commitment
Emirates’ expansion in Mauritius aligns with its broader Indian Ocean strategy, which also includes robust services to the Maldives and Seychelles. Mauritius was the first Indian Ocean destination to receive Emirates’ A380 back in 2013—a move that marked the airline’s long-term commitment to the region’s premium travel segment.
By continuing to invest in Mauritius, Emirates positions itself to benefit from rising visitor arrivals and anticipated changes in air traffic rights. The airline’s proactive approach helps protect its position amid possible shifts in aviation access.
Looking Ahead: Mauritius’ Aviation Future
As Mauritius prepares to revisit its aviation policy framework, the possibility of a more open market looms on the horizon. Any future access granted to new Gulf or international carriers could intensify competition, reduce fares, and expand route options.
However, Emirates’ early move to increase daily frequency shows that the airline is not only responding to current demand but also preparing for a competitive future. Combined with Air Mauritius’ evolving role and government-driven tourism campaigns, the outlook for Mauritius’ aviation sector appears dynamic and growth-focused.
Conclusion
Emirates’ third daily flight to Mauritius is more than a capacity increase—it’s a bold statement of confidence in the island’s tourism potential. As Mauritius eyes airspace liberalization, this move places Emirates at the forefront of premium travel, ensuring it continues to connect global travelers to one of the Indian Ocean’s most coveted luxury destinations.
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