Dubai-based carrier Emirates confirmed on 4 May that it is now operating to 137 cities—96 % of its pre-disruption network—with more than 1,300 weekly frequencies. In Brazil the airline has resumed its daily São Paulo–Dubai service and five weekly Rio de Janeiro rotations, returning seat capacity to the levels that prevailed before the Middle-East air-space closure in March. The carrier highlighted new flexibility policies: tickets issued from 2 April allow one free date change, and the Dubai Connect stop-over programme again offers complimentary hotel, transfers and UAE entry visa for passengers with lengthy layovers. Between 1 May and 31 August Skywards members can also fast-track to higher status tiers with bonus miles, a move likely to lure premium corporate travellers.
![Emirates restores 96 % of global network; Brazil frequencies back to pre-crisis levels]()
Business travellers looking to take advantage of the resumed flights should also verify visa requirements early. VisaHQ’s online platform (https://www.visahq.com/brazil/) streamlines applications for UAE stop-over visas as well as entry permits for more than 200 other destinations, handling documentation, reminders and courier logistics on behalf of Brazilian passport holders and expatriates alike—ideal for those leveraging Emirates’ Dubai Connect or onward connections to Asia and Africa.
For Brazilian companies the additional lift translates into roughly 2,100 extra weekly seats to the Gulf, India and Asia-Pacific—key markets for oil-and-gas, agribusiness and tech. Travel managers should revisit advance-purchase and route-deal strategies, as fares are expected to normalise once capacity fully returns. Cargo shippers will benefit too: Emirates SkyCargo forecasts a 20 % increase in belly-hold space on the GRU and GIG routes, easing pressure on automotive and pharma exporters. Emirates cautioned that overnight runway works at GRU through July may cause minor schedule tweaks, but said contingency slots are secured. Passengers already re-ticketed on partner airlines can switch back without penalty within seven days of travel.
Business travellers looking to take advantage of the resumed flights should also verify visa requirements early. VisaHQ’s online platform (https://www.visahq.com/brazil/) streamlines applications for UAE stop-over visas as well as entry permits for more than 200 other destinations, handling documentation, reminders and courier logistics on behalf of Brazilian passport holders and expatriates alike—ideal for those leveraging Emirates’ Dubai Connect or onward connections to Asia and Africa.
For Brazilian companies the additional lift translates into roughly 2,100 extra weekly seats to the Gulf, India and Asia-Pacific—key markets for oil-and-gas, agribusiness and tech. Travel managers should revisit advance-purchase and route-deal strategies, as fares are expected to normalise once capacity fully returns. Cargo shippers will benefit too: Emirates SkyCargo forecasts a 20 % increase in belly-hold space on the GRU and GIG routes, easing pressure on automotive and pharma exporters. Emirates cautioned that overnight runway works at GRU through July may cause minor schedule tweaks, but said contingency slots are secured. Passengers already re-ticketed on partner airlines can switch back without penalty within seven days of travel.
