Emirates is close to securing approval for a fifth-freedom service between Milan Malpensa and Lima, pending the final signature on an amended air services agreement between Italy and the UAE. If cleared, the route would allow the airline to carry passengers and belly cargo on the Milan–Lima sector, with authorisation expected in time for the winter schedule.
The proposed link would add a second South American connection from Milan Malpensa, after São Paulo, and could increase competition on Europe–Latin America traffic. It would also give Emirates a new way to extend its long-haul network beyond Dubai through northern Italy, even though the carrier does not currently operate to Lima from its home hub.
Emirates has no immediate plan to launch Lima flights, but it continues to assess expansion opportunities based on demand, market conditions and aircraft availability. The development remains a regulatory process rather than a confirmed route launch.