Emirates Elevates Global Travel in 2026 with Fine Wines, New Lounges and Expanded Partnerships

 Emirates is continuing to strengthen its global travel offering in 2026, with a series of developments spanning its onboard experience, international partnerships, cargo network and premium airport facilities.

From introducing prestigious wines and Champagnes at 40,000 feet to expanding its global collaborations and investing in new lounges, the Dubai-based airline is placing greater emphasis on both connectivity and the overall passenger journey.

A Stellar Wine Cellar Takes to the Skies

For travellers who appreciate the finer details of flying, Emirates is introducing a new selection of Champagnes and fine wines across its cabins in 2026.

Among the prestigious labels joining the airline's collection are Dom Pérignon Vintage 2017 and Château Mouton Rothschild 2003.

Emirates is also introducing its first English sparkling wine, Wiston Estate Brut NV, adding another dimension to its extensive onboard beverage programme.

The scale of Emirates' wine programme is particularly impressive. Since 2006, the airline has invested more than US$1 billion in its wine strategy, with approximately five million bottles held in dedicated cellars in France.

The long-term approach allows selected wines to mature before being introduced onboard, creating a wine programme designed around the passenger experience rather than simply immediate availability.

Connecting India's Exports to the World

Emirates' activities extend far beyond passenger travel.

Through Emirates SkyCargo, the airline transported more than 153,000 tonnes of exports from India during FY2025/26, supporting industries including pharmaceuticals, perishables, electronics, engineering and automotive.

Its cargo presence in India is also expanding with new weekly freighter services to Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad.

The additions bring Emirates SkyCargo's total number of weekly freighter flights in India to seven, providing businesses with greater access to the carrier's international cargo network and global markets.

Emirates Strengthens Global Partnerships at ATM 2026

Partnerships were another major focus for Emirates during Arabian Travel Market 2026.

On the second day of the event alone, Emirates signed 11 new partnership agreements, strengthening relationships with destinations and tourism organisations including Sri Lanka, Ras Al Khaimah, Japan and the Maldives.

The agreements form part of the airline's broader strategy of working with tourism bodies, destinations and aviation partners to strengthen international connectivity and attract new customer segments.

By the conclusion of ATM 2026, Emirates had announced more than 30 partnerships and collaborations.

The airline also used the event to showcase its latest products and passenger-experience developments, including its evolving Premium Economy offering.

A New £10 Million Emirates Lounge for Manchester

Emirates is also continuing to invest heavily in the airport experience.

The airline has unveiled plans for a new £10 million dedicated Emirates lounge at Manchester Airport, providing eligible passengers with an enhanced premium experience before boarding their flights.

Dedicated airport lounges have become an increasingly important part of the premium travel journey, extending the airline experience beyond the aircraft itself.

For Emirates, the Manchester investment further reinforces the importance of the UK market while complementing the airline's premium onboard offering.

Premium Economy Gains Recognition in Thailand

Emirates' Premium Economy product has meanwhile received further recognition in Asia.

The cabin offering was named the 2026 Product of the Year in Thailand, highlighting the growing role Premium Economy plays within the airline's broader passenger proposition.

Positioned between Economy and Business Class, Premium Economy gives travellers an additional choice for journeys where greater space and comfort are priorities without moving into the airline's premium Business Class cabin.

More Than Just New Aircraft

Taken together, Emirates' latest developments reveal a broader approach to the future of air travel.

The passenger journey no longer begins and ends onboard an aircraft. Lounges, food and beverage programmes, cabin products, destination partnerships and international connectivity have all become increasingly important parts of the experience.

At the same time, Emirates SkyCargo's expansion demonstrates the other side of the airline's global network — connecting businesses and products with markets around the world.

For passengers, the most visible changes will naturally be those they can experience themselves: a new glass of Champagne onboard, a more comfortable Premium Economy journey or a new lounge before departure.

But behind those additions is a considerably larger investment in how Emirates connects destinations, businesses and travellers around the world.

And in 2026, that network continues to grow.