Dubai residents with plans to visit the Philippines or travel across Asia and beyond are set to benefit from a new partnership between Emirates and Philippine Airlines (PAL). At the Arabian Travel Market, the two airlines announced they are exploring an expanded partnership that could make travelling even more convenient for those flying between Dubai and the Philippines.

What Does This Mean for You?

The proposed deal involves a code-sharing agreement, which means you could soon book a single ticket that covers flights operated by both airlines. Imagine flying from Dubai to Manila, then hopping on a connecting flight to Cebu or Clark, all with one booking, one fare, and one easy baggage policy. No more worrying about separate check-ins or losing your luggage between connections.

More Direct Routes and Convenient Schedules

For Dubai residents travelling to the Philippines, the expanded partnership promises better schedules and smoother transfers. Whether you’re heading to Manila for work or to visit family, this partnership could provide more direct and efficient options. You might even find new routes that connect you to exciting destinations in Asia and beyond, all thanks to the combined networks of Emirates and PAL.

What’s Next?

Both airlines are also looking at ways to improve services for cargo, training, and ground handling, meaning better overall service at the airport for both travelers and businesses. In the coming months, this partnership could evolve to provide even more seamless travel for Dubai’s diverse population.

Whether you’re planning a vacation or a business trip to the Philippines, this expanded partnership will likely make your journey smoother and more affordable.

(Source: DMO)

Dubai Duty Free has once again been named the Best Duty Free Shopping in the Middle East, clinching the title for the 24th consecutive year at the Business Traveller Middle East (BTME) Awards 2025.

The prestigious award was presented during a ceremony held at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City on April 28, coinciding with the opening of the Arabian Travel Market. The annual BTME Awards, launched in 2002 and organised by Motivate Media Group and Ink, celebrate excellence across 40 categories in the airline, airport, and hospitality industries.

Dubai Duty Free earned the top spot based on results from an online readers’ survey conducted by Business Traveller magazine between February 4 and March 7. It faced strong competition from airport retailers in Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and Abu Dhabi.

Ramesh Cidambi, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free, expressed his gratitude for the continued recognition: “We are truly honoured to be recognised as the ‘Best Duty Free Shopping in the Middle East’ for a record 24 consecutive years. Our thanks to everyone who voted for us, it’s incredible to have received this award every single year since its inception.”

The award was presented to Cidambi and Sinead El Sibai, Senior Vice President – Marketing, by Anthony Milne, Chief Commercial Officer of Motivate Media Group, in front of more than 300 guests from across the travel and tourism industry.

Dubai Duty Free continues to be one of the world’s leading airport retailers, serving millions of travellers annually at Dubai International Airport.

(Source: DMO)

The Philippines Department of Transportation (DOTr) has issued a strong warning to airlines following reports that some passengers were barred from boarding due to minor damage in their passports, an issue now dubbed “punit passport” cases.

DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon said on Monday that airlines and their personnel will face sanctions if found tampering with or mishandling a traveller’s passport.

“If anyone does this kind of nonsense, damaging or tearing a passport, there will be sanctions,” Dizon said.

The warning follows a widely publicised incident involving budget carrier Cebu Pacific. A Filipino passenger travelling to Bali, Indonesia, was reportedly denied boarding after airline staff flagged slight passport damage. Cebu Pacific said it was following protocol and had consulted Indonesian immigration authorities, who confirmed that the passenger may have been denied entry upon arrival.

The traveller has since filed a formal complaint with the Civil Aeronautics Board.

The DOTr reminded travellers to check their passports regularly for damage and validity. If in doubt, passengers are advised to consult passport authorities or seek guidance at the airport prior to check-in.

The department reaffirmed that tampering with a passport is a serious offence and that it expects airline personnel to treat travel documents with care and professionalism.

(Source: CDN)