Emirates seeks another 30-day extension for 3rd Mla-Dubai flight

MANILA, Philippines - Emirates is seeking another 30-day extension for its third daily flight between Manila and Dubai amid strong opposition from national flag carrier Philippine Airlines Inc. (PAL) and budget airline Cebu Air Inc. (Cebu Pacific).

The Gulf carrier through Puno & Puno Law Offices filed a petition before the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) last Dec. 15 seeking a third 30-day extension for its third flight to and from Dubai via the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

“Emirates respectfully requests for another 30 day extension from Dec. 27 or until Jan. 26 to prevent disruption of services to the travelling public,” Emirates said in the eight-page petition.

It would be recalled that CAB turned down last October the petition of Emirates to use the unutilized frequency of PAL until March next year. The Middle Eastern carrier filed an appeal before the CAB.

While the appeal is pending, CAB granted Emirates a 30-day extension to continue its third daily flight between Manila and Dubai until Nov. 26. The regulator granted a second 30-day extension allowing the Middle Eastern carrier to mount three daily flights in the route until Dec. 26.