Neither British nor Emirates want to be left out: what is about to happen with the new direct flights to Argentina.
Direct flights to Argentina are once again attracting international airlines. Emirates and British are considering returning with non-stop routes.
The Argentine air map could change in the coming months. More and more international companies are analyzing opening new direct flights to Argentina, driven by the air transport deregulation policies promoted by the Government. Among those interested, Emirates and British Airways are the ones that have advanced the most in official talks to resume non-stop routes connecting Buenos Aires with Dubai and London, respectively.
The airline Emirates Airlines, considered the largest in the world, already operates a daily frequency between Buenos Aires and Dubai with a stop in Rio de Janeiro. But now it is evaluating eliminating that intermediate stop and offering a direct service from Ezeiza, significantly reducing the more than 20 hours currently required for the journey.
Emirates' plan to fly non-stop to Dubai
Emirates' interest emerged after a meeting between Tourism, Environment and Sports Secretary, Daniel Scioli, and S.A.R. Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, CEO of the Emirates Group, along with Sir Tim Clark, president of the airline. The Government defined the meeting as a key step to strengthen ties with the United Arab Emirates and improve the country's international connectivity.
Scioli stated that this approach “marks a fundamental step towards the opening of a direct Dubai-Buenos Aires flight,” something that could materialize “thanks to the stability, security, and trust that Argentina offers under the leadership of Javier Milei.”
The company currently operates the route with a Boeing 777-300ER with 354 seats. The direct flight project would rely on the incorporation of Airbus A350s, next-generation aircraft that will allow for increased capacity and an expanded network of destinations.
Emirates flies to more than 140 cities and transports nearly 50 million passengers annually. It only interrupted its service to Argentina during the pandemic, which resumed in 2022. In its latest financial results, it reported a pre-tax profit of US$ 3.3 billion in the first half of the 2025-26 fiscal year, a 17% increase over the previous year, confirming its position as a global leader.
Advantages for Argentine travelers
A direct flight between Buenos Aires and Dubai would be a substantial improvement for passengers. Currently, those traveling with Emirates must stop in Rio de Janeiro, which prolongs the journey by more than 20 hours. With the elimination of that connection, the trip would be significantly shortened and would improve the overall experience for passengers.
Additionally, Argentines benefit from a simplified visa regime in the United Arab Emirates, allowing them to obtain permission upon arrival at the airport. This ease makes Dubai an ideal hub for connecting with Asia, Africa, and Oceania, which explains the airline's interest in enhancing its presence in the country.
Aerocommercial deregulation and the “open skies” policy
Emirates' move is part of the context of the open skies policy promoted by the Argentine Government. The relaxation of aerocommercial regulations aims to attract new foreign airlines and increase the supply of international flights, generating competition and better fares.
During his visit to the UN General Assembly in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Scioli held a series of meetings with authorities from tourism organizations and with ministers from the region. There, he presented investment opportunities in the Argentine tourism sector, highlighting the advantages of the new aerocommercial policy.
Among the interlocutors were the elected secretary of UN Tourism, Shaikha Al Nowais, and the Saudi Minister of Economy and Tourism, Abdulla Bin Toucq Al Marri, who expressed interest in the connectivity advancements promoted by the country.
British Airways also wants to resume direct flights
While Emirates analyzes its non-stop flight to Dubai, British Airways is moving forward with plans to reestablish the daily direct flight between Buenos Aires and London-Heathrow, which was suspended during the pandemic.
Until 2020, the British airline connected both capitals directly. Then, it operated with a stop in São Paulo (Guarulhos) and currently makes the segment via Rio de Janeiro (Galeão). The company's intention is to recover the direct route, considered strategic for tourism and bilateral trade between Argentina and the United Kingdom.
Sector sources explain that the return of the non-stop flight would reduce travel times by more than four hours, in addition to strengthening connectivity between South America and Europe.
A more attractive market for international airlines
The improvement in regulatory conditions, combined with greater economic predictability and openness to foreign capital, is generating an immediate effect: increased interest from international airlines to operate in the country.
According to the Government, this trend will not only impact the supply of flights but also the arrival of foreign tourists and the competitiveness of the hotel sector. Direct flights to Argentina also facilitate air cargo transport and open new commercial opportunities for local products in high purchasing power markets, such as those in the Middle East and Europe.
Emirates, a story of constant expansion
Founded in 1985 with just two aircraft, Emirates Airlines has become one of the most influential companies in the world. Its business model combines luxury service, global connectivity, and operational efficiency. Today, it flies to all continents and maintains one of the most modern fleets on the planet.
In Argentina, it began operations in January 2012 with five weekly flights, later increased to one daily. Its presence, even in times of instability, reflects the potential of the Argentine market as a connection point for South America.
In the meeting with Scioli, Emirates executives highlighted the opening policies of Javier Milei's government as a decisive factor for projecting investments in new routes.
What’s next for Argentine air connectivity
If the ongoing negotiations are finalized, the country could close 2025 with a broader and more direct international air network, reducing dependence on regional connections. In addition to Emirates and British Airways, other European and Middle Eastern companies have reportedly shown preliminary interest in resuming or opening operations to Buenos Aires.
With this trend, Argentina would reposition itself as one of the main air hubs in the Southern Cone, a role it partially lost after the pandemic. The return of direct routes would not only benefit inbound tourism but also business travelers and international cargo.