Australia’s strong aviation relationship with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) continues to flourish with a new bilateral agreement paving the way for an extra 28 flights between the two countries every week. 

Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss announced the increased capacity for Australian and UAE airlines following the successful conclusion of negotiations at the ICAO Air Services Negotiation Event in Turkey this week.

“As of October next year, airlines of both Australia and the UAE the UAE will be able to increase services in the Australia–UAE market,” Mr Truss said.

“Under the new arrangements, carriers of Dubai will be able to offer up to 105 services (an increase of 7) every week to the major gateways of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. Abu Dhabi-based airlines will be able to operate up to 56 services (an increase of 7) per week to these same ports.

“The new deal provides unprecedented access for Australian airlines, with up to 168 services (an increase of 14) available to the UAE and beyond.

“Australian travellers and business have benefited enormously from improved access to the global hubs of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with over three million passenger journeys in the past 12 months alone.

“I am confident the arrangements settled this week will only strengthen our aviation relationship further.

“The Australian Government is committed to supporting the entry of Australian airlines into foreign markets and ensuring we have the aviation capacity necessary to meet future demand.”

The increased gateway capacity supplements the existing open access arrangements in place for regional Australia. UAE airlines already have the right to offer unlimited services to other Australian destinations, including Darwin, Cairns, Adelaide and the Gold Coast.