Emirates will be the first to offer a direct flight between Dubai and Spain, with a daily service to Madrid beginning on 1st August.

The Spanish capital will be the carrier's 25th European destination and an A330-200 will service the route.

Latest data reveals that Qatar Airways has a 12% market share between the two destinations, which it serves indirectly (with a stop in Doha). Air France also offers an indirect service (via Paris CDG), while Lufthansa flies via Frankfurt.

As Routes recently reported, Emirates also announced it will introduce an A380 on flights between Dubai and Jeddah from 1st February.