PAL to resume nonstop Manila-Dubai flights starting Oct. 2

Philippine Airlines (PAL) will resume its nonstop flights between Manila and Dubai beginning October 2, restoring direct air connectivity between the Philippines and one of the Middle East’s major commercial and travel hubs.

In a statement on Monday, the flag carrier said it will initially operate four weekly flights between Manila and Dubai every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.

PAL said it plans to gradually increase the service to daily flights as operational considerations allow.

The airline said the resumption of the route is expected to improve connectivity for overseas Filipino workers, business travelers, tourists, and cargo customers traveling between the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates.

Dubai also serves as a key gateway to destinations across the Middle East, Africa, and Europe, PAL noted.

The airline added that the return of the nonstop service comes as travel to the UAE has become more convenient for many Filipinos.

Eligible Philippine passport holders may avail themselves of a visa-on-arrival in the UAE if they hold a valid visa, residence permit, or Green Card issued by the United States, the European Union or Schengen Area, Australia, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Canada, or New Zealand.

To mark the resumption of the route, PAL said it will offer an introductory all-in roundtrip fare starting at $650 for a limited time, subject to applicable terms and conditions.

Under the initial schedule, Flight PR 658 will depart Manila at 12:50 p.m. and arrive in Dubai at 6 p.m., while Flight PR 659 will leave Dubai at 7:45 p.m. and arrive in Manila at 9:10 a.m. the following day. —Sherylin Untalan/RF, GMA News