Emirates ramps up operations to Manila

As part of its ongoing growth strategy in Southeast Asia Emirates will introduce four additional weekly flights between Dubai and Manila from 2 April. On Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, Emirates’ flight EK330 will depart Dubai at 12:45hrs, arriving in Manila at 1:25hrs the next day. Emirates’ return flight EK331 will depart from Manila at 3:25hrs, arriving in Dubai at 8:25hrs. All times are local. Flights EK330/331 will be operated by Emirates’ Boeing 777-300ER, featuring eight private suites in First Class, 42 lie-flat seats in Business Class, and 304 spacious seats in Economy Class. With this expansion, the airline will offer greater choice and enhanced connectivity for corporate travellers, marine customers as well as the large Filipino diaspora across Emirates’ global network, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Italy, Spain, United States, Kuwait, Germany, France, Netherlands, Switzerland, Turkey, Portugal and South Africa. The new flights also provide shorter connections from and to Canada, United States, as well as the late morning European departures including Milan, London, Budapest and Athens via Dubai. An Emirates Boeing 777-300ER aircraft can carry up to 20 tonnes of cargo in its bellyhold with a full passenger load. By adding four more flights in its weekly operations to Manila operated by this wide-body aircraft, Emirates will offer increased cargo capacity to further strengthen imports and exports between Manila and Dubai, as well key trade markets across Europe, the United States and the Indian subcontinent. The UAE and the Philippines have recently signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). With its extensive operations in Manila and Cebu/Clark, Emirates is well positioned to support the growing economic and trade ambitions between the two countries. Emirates launched services to Manila in 1990 and has progressively grown its operations to include a circular service to Cebu and Clark. The airline currently serves the Philippines with 28 weekly flights and will expand to 34 weekly services with the addition of EK330/331 from 2 April. Through its partnership with Philippine Airlines (PAL), Emirates further connects travellers to additional domestic points beyond its own network including: five points via Manila, seven points via Cebu and three points via Clark. Offering convenient baggage check-through to their final destinations. Etihad Airways and Tunisair launch codeshare Etihad Airways and Tunisair have signed a codeshare agreement strengthening air links between North Africa and Abu Dhabi and supporting growing demand for travel, tourism, and business between the two regions. The agreement covers Etihad’s three weekly flights on the Abu Dhabi–Tunis route, which launched 1 November 2025. Flights operate using Etihad’s Airbus A321LR, featuring the airline’s signature hospitality across three cabin with two First Suites, 14 Business and 144 Economy seats. Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer at Etihad Airways, said: “Partnering with Tunisair brings Abu Dhabi closer to travellers across North Africa. We’re seeing strong interest from the region in what Abu Dhabi offers – from business opportunities and trade links to tourism and family connections. This codeshare gives Tunisair’s customers access to our service and product, making Abu Dhabi an easier destination to reach.” Halima Ibrahim Khouaja, Chief Executive Officer at Tunisair, said: “Through this partnership, we are opening new travel opportunities for our customers by connecting the Maghreb and Africa to the Gulf. Abu Dhabi is a strategic market for Tunisair, and our collaboration with Etihad further expands the range of connections available to passengers across our network. This agreement strengthens the air bridge between our regions and underscores Tunisair’s role as a key player in regional connectivity.” Etihad has more than 40 codeshare partnerships globally, providing connections to more than 500  destinations worldwide. Christchurch Airport announces new flights to Vanuatu South Island travellers will soon be able to swap winter woollies for tropical sunshine, with Solomon Airlines launching a new direct service from Christchurch to Port Vila (Vanuatu) from 1 July 2026. The new route will be the first time there has been a commercial scheduled flight to Vanuatu from Christchurch, it will operate twice weekly on Thursday and Sunday departing Christchurch in the morning and will be flown by an Airbus A320-200. The direct flight is expected to take around four hours. The flight back from Port Vila to Christchurch will operate on Wednesday and Saturday in the afternoon, allowing for a full day in Vanuatu prior to returning. Christchurch Airport Chief Executive Justin Watson says the new route is a fantastic addition for Canterbury and the wider South Island. “When the temperature drops and the rain jackets come out, it’s the perfect time to have a warm weather escape on the horizon. This direct service to Port Vila is a brilliant opportunity for South Islanders to enjoy an easy tropical break.” Solomon Airlines Chief Executive Officer Paul Abbot says the airline is proud to bring the new service to the South Island. “We’re thrilled to launch direct flights between Christchurch and Port Vila, opening up a whole new gateway to the Pacific for Kiwi travellers.” For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Sally Passey at [email protected]