IntelScoops

Dubai, July 30, 2025 – Emirates Airline has announced a temporary suspension of all its advertising across social media platforms in response to a significant increase in fraudulent advertisements impersonating the airline and misleading users.

According to an official statement issued by Emirates, the airline has identified a surge in fake online campaigns offering discounted tickets, false giveaways, or unauthorized promotions. These deceptive advertisements often mimic Emirates branding, including the use of lookalike web links, logos, and visuals that falsely present themselves as official.

“These scams are designed to trick users into sharing personal or financial information, clicking on malicious links, or purchasing fake tickets under the guise of official Emirates promotions,” the airline said.

Protective Measures in Place

To protect customers and uphold brand integrity, Emirates has taken the precautionary step of halting all social media advertising. The airline confirmed that it is actively working with social media companies to identify and remove fraudulent content as quickly as possible — in many cases, within minutes of detection.

The airline emphasized that it remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of digital safety and user trust. It has also reinforced internal monitoring processes and strengthened its collaboration with cybersecurity experts and platform providers.

A Growing Threat

The decision to suspend advertising comes amid growing global concerns about online scams that use artificial intelligence, deepfake visuals, and social engineering to mislead consumers. Emirates, as one of the most globally recognized airline brands, has become a frequent target of such impersonation attempts.

In recent months, scammers have circulated posts promising free flights, heavily discounted ticket offers, or “first-class memberships” for a small fee — all of which are false and unauthorized. Several users have reported being tricked into entering credit card details or other sensitive data through fake booking portals disguised to look like the official Emirates website.

Public Advisory

Emirates is urging the public to exercise caution when engaging with content online. It advises customers to:

Only trust communications from verified Emirates accounts. Be cautious of links that appear unofficial or are sent via private messages. Never share personal or payment information on suspicious websites or social media pages. Double-check the authenticity of promotions on the official Emirates website or via verified customer service channels.

“Your safety is our highest priority,” the airline stated. “We strongly encourage you to remain alert and verify the authenticity of any advertisement or promotional offer before engaging with it.”

Regulatory Context

This move by Emirates aligns with recent efforts across the UAE to combat online fraud. New regulations now require advertisers and influencers to hold official permits before running paid campaigns on digital platforms. Authorities have also begun cracking down on the unauthorized use of brand names in digital ads.

Cybersecurity analysts note that the airline’s response is one of the most proactive stances taken by a global brand in response to coordinated online scam activity.

Looking Ahead

Emirates has not specified when it will resume advertising on social media, stating that it will continue to monitor the situation closely. In the meantime, the airline encourages customers to visit its official website or contact customer support for accurate information.

The airline concluded its statement with a call for public awareness: “By staying vigilant and reporting suspicious content, we can help protect not only our brand but also the millions of travelers who trust us every day.”