Emirates is operating flights to Dubai that are near-empty in some cases as travelers avoid the Persian Gulf, highlighting the challenges for the world¡¯s largest international airline to restore its network amid a protracted war.
Flights from destinations in the U.S. and continental Europe have been impacted the hardest, with planes returning from Prague or Budapest only about 5% to 10% occupied, according to data compiled by the Dubai-based airline.
Several aircraft returning from New York flew with only a fifth of the tickets sold, and at least one flight during the past week departed with fewer than 35 passengers on an Airbus jumbo A380 jet that ordinarily seats close to 500. Departures from Chicago operated with half-empty cabins, according to the documents.
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