16 November 2025
The Philippines and the United Arab Emirates has successfully concluded Air Consultation Talks held on the sidelines of the Dubai Airshow 2025, granting the UAE seven (7) additional weekly flight entitlements, allowing UAE low cost carrier Fly Dubai to operate flights to Manila beginning next year.
The airtalks was headed by The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) of the UAE represented by Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the General Civil Aviation Authority, while the
Philippine delegation was led by Undersecretary Jim C. Sydiongco of the
Department of Transportation.
Also in the talks were Executive Director Carmelo
L. Arcilla of the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB); Philippine Ambassador
to the United Arab Emirates Alfonso A. Ver, Assistant Secretary Edgar B.
Badajos of the Department of Foreign Affairs; Assistant Secretary
Judilyn S. Quiachon of the Department of Tourism; and Atty. Florence P.
Daquioag-Bual of the Department of Labor and Employment.
Representatives
from CAAP, CAB, DOT, Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific Air, Mactan–Cebu
International Airport Authority, and Luzon International Premiere
Airport Development also joined the discussions.
The Philippines previously granted 28 weekly flights, or about 22,700 weekly seats, between the Philippines capital airport and Dubai International airport from 2021 to 2025, and unlimited flights from Dubai to the Philippines major international airports. All flights were taken by Emirates Airlines.
The new flight entitlements shall become effective next year.
Air passenger volume to Dubai jumped by 21% in the first nine months, as international travelers surged by 40%, according to the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB).
Data from CAB showed that overall passenger volume grew by 21.2% to 44.09 million for the January-to-September period, prompting Emirates Airlines which owns 4/5 rights from Dubai to signed an interline agreement with Philippine flag-carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) to boost seats and connectivity for both airlines through the sharing of networks. Qatar Airways made similar arrangements with PAL to boost seats and connectivity.
Data from CAB showed that overall passenger volume grew by 21.2% to 44.09 million for the January-to-September period, prompting Emirates Airlines which owns 4/5 rights from Dubai to signed an interline agreement with Philippine flag-carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) to boost seats and connectivity for both airlines through the sharing of networks. Qatar Airways made similar arrangements with PAL to boost seats and connectivity.
During the discussions, UAE wanted increase of additional 14 flights but the Philippine delegation approved only 7 more flights until 2029.
The talks also covered broader issues related to bilateral air entitlements, operational coordination, and opportunities to streamline air transport arrangements in support of growing passenger and cargo demand.
