Emirates has reported a 9.5% jump in demand on its Manchester-Dubai routes compared to 2015.
It said 610,000 passengers have already flown between the two cities this year, putting it on track to hit a record milestone of 1,000,000 during the 2016 financial year to the end of March 2017.
Passenger figures are set to be boosted further when the airline introduces a third daily A380 service to the route from January 1.
It will replace the existing Boeing 777-300ER and add a further 11% capacity.
Emirates vice president UK Laurie Berryman said: "To hit the symbolic milestone of one million passengers will be hugely significant for us, and will only strengthen our commitment and contribution to the region."
