Emirates and Singapore Airlines are two of the best-known full-service long-haul carriers, one built around Dubai and the other around Singapore Changi. Travellers compare them mainly on Europe–Asia–Australia journeys, where a connection through either hub is a realistic option, and on the Dubai–Singapore route itself.
Quick verdict
Both are full-service airlines with Economy, Business and Premium Economy on many aircraft, so the choice comes down to network, aircraft and alliance. Emirates suits travellers who want the A380, a huge long-haul network through Dubai and an on-board Business bar, and who don't need an alliance. Singapore Airlines suits those heading to Southeast Asia and Australasia, or who collect Star Alliance miles. Check the aircraft on your exact flight, as cabins vary on both.
Choose Emirates if…
- You want to fly on an A380: Emirates operates 116, the largest fleet of the type in the world.
- You're connecting between Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia through Dubai, its single hub at Terminal 3.
- You want a Business-class on-board bar on the A380 and don't need Star Alliance.
Choose Singapore Airlines if…
- You're flying to Southeast Asia or beyond via Changi, its sole hub.
- You want Star Alliance benefits, as it has been a member since April 2000, and the KrisFlyer programme.
- You want ultra-long-haul options, as it operates 7 A350-900ULRs.
At a glance
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Key differences
Network and hubs
Both rely on one hub. Emirates flies everything through Terminal 3 at Dubai International and serves around 150 cities in about 80 countries, which makes it the largest long-haul airline in the world. Singapore Airlines operates from Changi and served 87 destinations in 2026, with regional flights on 737 MAX 8 aircraft. For Europe-to-Australia trips, either hub works; for Southeast Asia, Changi is the more direct choice.
The Dubai–Singapore route
Disruption in the Middle East may affect this route, so check the current schedule, aircraft and cabins offered by both airlines before booking.
Cabins and seats
Emirates offers Economy, Business, and on selected aircraft First and Premium Economy. Economy pitch is 31–32 inches on Airbus and 34 inches on Boeing, and Premium Economy offers up to 40 inches. Singapore Airlines flies Premium Economy on its A380 and 777-300ER, with First (Suites) on the A380 and some 777-300ERs. Its 787-10 and 737 MAX 8 have only Business and Economy. For both airlines, check the aircraft type when booking.
Fleet and upgrades
Emirates has 266 passenger aircraft with an average age of 10.8 years (June 2026), and 355 on order, including 235 777-9s. It is also running a US$6 billion cabin retrofit that is spreading Premium Economy to older A380s and 777s. Singapore Airlines has 152 passenger aircraft, with 31 777-9s due from 2027 to replace older A380s and 777-300ERs. Both are renewing their fleets, so cabins will change over the next few years.
Loyalty and alliances
Emirates belongs to no major alliance; its programme is Emirates Skywards. Singapore Airlines is a Star Alliance member, so KrisFlyer miles can be earned and used across partner airlines. Its PPS Club is the top tier. For frequent travellers already in a Star Alliance programme, Singapore Airlines is the simpler fit.
Frequently asked questions
Is Emirates better than Singapore Airlines?
Neither is better in every case. Emirates has the bigger long-haul network via Dubai and the largest A380 fleet, while Singapore Airlines is stronger for Southeast Asia and offers Star Alliance connections. Your route and aircraft matter more than the airline.
Which has more legroom in Economy?
Emirates lists 31–32 inches of Economy pitch on Airbus aircraft and 34 inches on Boeing aircraft. Singapore Airlines' pitch varies by aircraft, so check the seat map on singaporeair.com for your flight.
Does Singapore Airlines or Emirates include checked baggage?
Both are full-service airlines, but allowances depend on fare and route. Check the fare rules on emirates.com or singaporeair.com before you book.
About Emirates Read more
Overview
Emirates is one of the two flag carriers of the United Arab Emirates, alongside Etihad. It was founded on 15 March 1985 and began flying on 25 October 1985. It is headquartered in Al Garhoud, Dubai, and is a subsidiary of The Emirates Group, which is owned by the government of Dubai through the Investment Corporation of Dubai. Emirates is not a member of a major alliance. Its frequent-flyer programme is Emirates Skywards.
Network and hubs
All operations are based at Terminal 3 of Dubai International Airport, which is the only hub. Wikipedia describes Emirates as the world's largest long-haul airline, serving more than 150 cities in about 80 countries across six continents. The infobox lists 148 destinations, so the exact figure varies by date.
Fleet
As of June 2026, Wikipedia lists 266 passenger aircraft and 24 cargo aircraft operated by Emirates SkyCargo. The passenger fleet is all wide-body and includes:
- 116 Airbus A380s (the world's largest operator)
- 127 Boeing 777s (117 777-300ERs and 10 777-200LRs)
- 23 Airbus A350-900s
Per Air Data News, 94 of the A380s were active at the time of that report. President Tim Clark said the active number should reach about 110 by the end of 2026, alongside a US$6 billion cabin retrofit programme.
On board
Emirates offers Economy, Business and, on selected aircraft, First and Premium Economy. Economy seat pitch is 31–32 inches on Airbus aircraft and 34 inches on Boeing aircraft. Premium Economy seats offer up to 40 inches of pitch and a 13.3-inch screen. Business class on the A380 has fully flat beds, and Business passengers can use the on-board bar at the rear. Entertainment is provided by the ICE system. Only some aircraft have Premium Economy so far: 24 A380s had it when the article was written, and a retrofit programme is extending it to older A380s and 777s. Check the aircraft type when booking.
Good to know
- Baggage allowances, change fees and meal details depend on fare and route. Check them on emirates.com before booking.
- Emirates Skywards is the loyalty programme.
- Lounge access depends on cabin and status. This profile does not list lounge details.
- No published on-time performance figure was found for this profile.
About Singapore Airlines Read more
Overview
Singapore Airlines is the flag carrier of Singapore. According to Wikipedia, its origins lie in Malayan Airways, founded on 1 May 1947, and it began operating under its current name on 1 October 1972. Temasek Holdings owns 53% of the company. The headquarters are at Airline House, Changi. The airline has belonged to Star Alliance since April 2000. Its group includes the low-cost carrier Scoot, SIA Engineering Company and Singapore Airlines Cargo, and it holds 25.1% of Air India Limited.
Network and hubs
The sole hub is Changi Airport. The airline served 87 destinations as of 2026 (Wikipedia). It operates long-haul services using Airbus A350-900ULR aircraft, and regional routes with Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, which were added after the merger with SilkAir.
Fleet
As of March 2026, Wikipedia's fleet page lists 164 registered aircraft: 152 passenger aircraft and 12 freighters. The passenger fleet includes:
- Airbus A350-900: 58, plus 7 A350-900ULR
- Airbus A380-800: 13
- Boeing 777-300ER: 25
- Boeing 787-10: 28
- Boeing 737 MAX 8: 21
The airline has 31 Boeing 777-9 aircraft on order, with deliveries expected to begin in 2027. These are due to replace older A380s and 777-300ERs. Three more 787-10s are also on order.
On board
Cabin layouts vary by aircraft. The A380-800 has First (Suites), Business, Premium Economy and Economy cabins. The 777-300ER has Premium Economy, Business and Economy cabins, and some aircraft also carry a small First cabin. The 787-10 and 737 MAX 8 have Business and Economy only, according to the same fleet table. Seat pitch, meal and entertainment details were not verified for this profile; check the official website.
Good to know
- Loyalty programme: KrisFlyer, with the PPS Club for top-tier members.
- Baggage allowances and change fees depend on fare and route. Check the airline's website before booking.
- Scoot, the group's low-cost carrier, is a separate airline with different fares and baggage rules.
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