Emirates was given the green light to launch direct flights from Barcelona El Prat to Mexico City, securing fifth freedom rights, according to announcement made in Dubai by Spain's Secretary of State for Infrastructure, Transport and Housing, Julio Gómez-Pomar, after meeting with Vice President of Emirates, Salem Obaidalla.

The operation required a specific concession, since this route was not covered directly under the air transport agreements between Spain and the UAE.

Emirates plans to launch the operation as soon as possible, possibly before 2018 end. More than 95,000 seats will be offered in each direction and it is estimated that the new link could eventually have more than 150,000 passengers annually. In addition, the company plans to strengthen its connection between Barcelona and Dubai with a third daily connection. Emirates carried 550,000 passengers in 2017 en route to Dubai.