Emirates to Launch Daily Fifth Freedom Flights to Bogota via Miami

Emirates has received approval to launch its first commercial flights to Colombia. The Dubai-based airline applied to operate as a foreign airline in the South American country, and its request was approved by Colombia’s civil aviation authority, Aerocivil.

The new fifth freedom flight between Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Bogota El Dorado International Airport (BOG) will operate with a layover at Miami International Airport (MIA).

This route joins other fifth freedom routes operated by Emirates in the Americas, such as the Dubai-Barcelona-Mexico City route and the Dubai-Milan-New York route.

Photo: Bogota, Colombia. Courtesy of Alejandro Alfaro M / Unsplash

The airline presented the proposed route to Bogota during a public hearing on February 16, and the decision to allow Aerocivil confirmed it on February 19. As a result, Emirates is now allowed to sell tickets for the Miami-Bogota market.

While exact schedules have yet to be released, Emirates intends to launch the 7x weekly service starting June 3, 2024. The airline plans to use a Boeing 777-200LR or 777-300ER aircraft to operate the route, which has a maximum capacity of 354 passengers across three cabins. In addition, these aircraft can allow for up to 14 tons of cargo to be transported on each flight.

Photo: Business Class, Boeing 777. Courtesy of Emirates.

“The arrival of Emirates to Colombia marks a historic milestone in our air connectivity and strengthens commercial and cultural ties with the Arab world,” said Colombian Minister of Transport William Camargo Triana.

“This will enhance tourism, trade, and investment, promoting the country’s economic development and consolidating our position as a global destination.”

Sergio París, General Director of Aerocivil, added: “Today, we are pleased with the establishment of an air connection with the vibrant city of Dubai, which marks not just a link between destinations but also symbolizes our nation’s firm commitment to global integration.”

Sir Tim Clark, the airline’s CEO, expressed his excitement about the launch of the new route and destination to Bogotá. He stated that the addition of Colombian capital to the network is part of their strategy to offer better connectivity, expand travel options and choices for travelers, and provide unmatched premium experiences on the ground and in the air. This move also reflects their deep commitment to South America and is expected to increase business and leisure travel opportunities for customers.

“There is a huge demand for travel to and from Bogotá, and we can’t wait for customers to experience Emirates’ signature products and services on the flights between Bogotá and Dubai as well as between Bogotá and Miami,” added Clark.

According to Emirates, the flight times on this new fifth freedom operation are as follows:

Summer schedule: starting Jun 3

Winter schedule: starting Nov 3

Growing Latin American Network

Bogota has now become the airline’s fourth destination in South America, alongside existing services to Rio de Janeiro (GIG), Sao Paulo (GRU), and Buenos Aires (EZE).

The new routes will not only enhance connectivity between Colombia and the U.A.E. but will also give Colombian passengers easier access to Emirates’ vast global network, which covers more than 130 destinations across over 70 countries.

Photo: Bogota, Colombia. Courtesy of Random Institute / Unsplash.

Launching this new route will help Emirates establish its presence in the Latin American market currently dominated by Turkish Airlines. The Istanbul-based airline connects its main hub with flights to Buenos Aires, Cancun (CUN), Caracas (CCS), Mexico City (MEX), Panama City (PTY), Havana (HAV), Sao Paulo, and Bogota.

Emirates’ new service to the Colombian capital will compete with well-established airlines operating flights between Miami and Bogota, such as Avianca, American Airlines, and LATAM Airlines.