Emirates Airlines has announced the world’s first-ever commercial passenger flights to Antarctica, beginning in November 2025. The historic route will connect Dubai to a specially constructed airstrip near the Antarctic Peninsula, just in time for the Southern Hemisphere’s summer season.
The announcement marks a bold step for luxury adventure travel, offering civilians the chance to visit one of Earth’s final frontiers with the convenience of a commercial flight.
Inside the Experience
Flights will be operated using modified Airbus A350s, capable of handling extreme conditions. The journey includes:
Climate-controlled landing zones.
Onboard experts on glaciology and wildlife.
Exclusive eco-camps run by polar researchers.
The flight, lasting approximately 13 hours, will include a carbon-offset option and adhere to strict environmental regulations under the Antarctic Treaty.
Who Can Go?
Tickets will initially be limited to 70 passengers per flight and priced at around $25,000. Emirates is partnering with White Desert, an established polar expedition company, to manage ground operations.
“We’re unlocking a new age of travel,” said Emirates CEO Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum. “This is not just tourism — it’s exploration with purpose.”
Traveler Advisory
While the prospect is exciting, travelers must undergo:
Pre-departure briefings.
Fitness assessments.
Cold-weather gear training.
Antarctica remains protected, and every traveler will be required to commit to environmental pledges to minimize impact.
This unprecedented venture offers bucket-list travelers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to walk among penguins, witness glacier calving, and glimpse Earth’s most remote wilderness all without the need for a private expedition.