About Emirates

Emirates is a globally recognised full-service airline operating under IATA code EK and ICAO code UAE, headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Founded in 1985 with its first flight taking off on 25 October of that year, Emirates is part of The Emirates Group, wholly owned by the Investment Corporation of Dubai, the investment arm of the Government of Dubai. Starting with just two leased aircraft, the airline has grown into one of the largest and most decorated carriers in the world, linking passengers to well over 150 destinations across six continents through its home hub at Dubai International Airport (DXB).

Emirates does not belong to any of the three global airline alliances, choosing instead to build its own network of codeshare and interline agreements with carriers worldwide. This independent approach lets Emirates keep a consistent standard of service across every touchpoint, from airport handling to in-flight dining and entertainment. The airline has picked up numerous Skytrax awards over the years for its cabin products, in-flight entertainment system, and overall passenger experience.

For travellers flying out of the Philippines, Emirates operates a direct service between Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) and its Dubai hub, with multiple flights a week on wide-body Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. From Dubai, Filipino travellers, including the many overseas Filipino workers who rely on this corridor, can connect onward to destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas. Whether the trip is for work abroad, a family reunion, or a holiday, Emirates delivers a premium travel experience from the moment of boarding, and Traveloka makes it straightforward for travellers in the Philippines to search, compare, and book Emirates fares in Philippine Peso.

Airline Overview and History

The carrier's history traces a path from a small regional start-up to one of the most influential names in global aviation. Some of the key milestones along the way include:

• 1985 — Launched with financial backing from the Government of Dubai, flying its first route from Dubai to Karachi with two leased aircraft, a Boeing 737-300 and an Airbus A300
• 1990s — Rapid growth of the route map across Asia, Europe, and Africa, alongside the arrival of the Boeing 777 into the fleet
• 2000 — Placed the first order for the Airbus A380 super-jumbo, an early signal of its long-haul, high-capacity strategy
• 2003 — Introduced the ice (information, connectivity, entertainment) in-flight entertainment platform, which has since won a long list of industry awards
• 2008 — Took delivery of its first Airbus A380, becoming one of the earliest operators of the double-decker jet and opening Terminal 3 at Dubai International
• 2010s — Became the largest A380 operator in the world by a wide margin while continuing to grow its Boeing 777 network across every inhabited continent
• 2022 — Introduced a new Premium Economy cabin, adding a fourth service tier between Economy and Business Class
• 2024 — Received its first Airbus A350-900, the start of a broader fleet renewal programme

Dubai International Airport (DXB) remains the airline's principal hub and one of the busiest airports in the world for international passenger traffic. Terminal 3 is used exclusively for these operations and includes extensive lounge space for First, Business, and Skywards elite members. The stated vision behind the network is to connect people and places through innovative, customer-focused air travel, an ambition that now extends to a growing Philippine market through the Manila-Dubai route.

Fleet and Aircraft

The fleet is built entirely around wide-body jets, with no narrow-body aircraft flying passenger routes. Current aircraft types include:

• Airbus A380-800 — The world's largest operator of the type by a wide margin, with more than 100 aircraft in active service. The A380 flies on the busiest long-haul routes and features an onboard lounge, a First Class shower spa, and a spacious multi-class cabin. A major retrofit programme is underway, and the type is expected to remain a core part of the long-haul fleet for years to come
• Boeing 777-300ER — The workhorse of the fleet and the aircraft used on the Manila-Dubai route, configured with First, Business, and Economy cabins across a wide range of medium- and long-haul routes
• Boeing 777-200LR — Deployed on ultra-long-haul sectors and thinner-demand markets thanks to its extended range
• Airbus A350-900 — The newest aircraft type in the fleet, featuring the latest cabin products including Premium Economy, better fuel efficiency, and a quieter cabin as deliveries continue
• Boeing 777F — Dedicated freighters operated by the airline's cargo division for worldwide cargo services

A large order for the Boeing 777-9 (part of the 777X family) remains on the books, though industry-wide certification delays have pushed back first deliveries. In the meantime, the airline continues to invest heavily in retrofitting its existing A380 and 777 cabins. Every aircraft is maintained to strict international standards, with scheduled maintenance carried out in line with UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) regulations and international aviation safety protocols at the Dubai engineering base.

Top Flight Routes

The flagship route connecting the Philippines to this global network is Manila to Dubai. This is the primary long-haul gateway for Filipino travellers, whether flying for tourism, business, or work abroad, and it is operated with Boeing 777-300ER aircraft on a multi-weekly schedule that has expanded in recent years to meet growing demand.

• Manila to Dubai — The flagship route between the Philippines and the airline's global hub, flown with wide-body Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. Dubai then opens up onward connections across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas

Once in Dubai, Filipino travellers can connect onward to a wide range of long-haul destinations. Some of the most relevant onward markets for travellers from the Philippines include:

• London and Europe — Dubai connects onward to major European cities including London, Amsterdam, and Milan, popular for both leisure travel and visiting family in the large Filipino community across the United Kingdom and Europe
• Riyadh, Jeddah, and Kuwait City — Key destinations for the large community of overseas Filipino workers based across Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, with Dubai serving as a convenient connecting point
• New York and the Americas — A long-haul option for Filipino travellers and balikbayans heading to the United States East Coast, connecting through Dubai
• Nairobi and Johannesburg — Onward connections into Africa for business travellers and the Filipino diaspora working across the continent

The airline also serves numerous other cities from Dubai, including Cairo, Istanbul, and destinations across Australasia. Travellers from the Philippines can search all available Manila-Dubai schedules and fares, along with connecting options, directly on Traveloka to plan the best routing for their trip.

Baggage Allowance and Policies

Passengers flying this airline generally enjoy one of the more generous baggage allowances among international carriers. Knowing the rules ahead of time helps travellers from the Philippines pack efficiently and avoid surprise charges at Manila or Dubai airport.

Cabin Baggage

• Economy Class: One carry-on bag up to 7 kg, with maximum dimensions of 55 x 38 x 20 cm
• Premium Economy: One carry-on bag up to 10 kg, with the same maximum dimensions
• Business Class: Two pieces, a briefcase (45 x 35 x 20 cm) plus a handbag or garment bag (55 x 38 x 20 cm), together not exceeding 14 kg
• First Class: Two pieces under the same dimensions and combined weight limit as Business Class

All passengers may also bring a reasonable amount of duty-free purchases, reading material, and an overcoat or blanket into the cabin.

Checked Baggage (Weight Concept — Most International Routes)

Flights between Manila and Dubai use the weight concept, where the free checked baggage allowance depends on cabin class and fare type:

• Economy Special: 20 kg
• Economy Saver: 25 kg
• Economy Flex: 30 kg
• Economy Flex Plus: 35 kg
• Premium Economy: 35 kg
• Business Class: 40 kg
• First Class: 50 kg

No single checked bag may weigh more than 32 kg. Heavier items need to be split into separate bags or shipped as air cargo.

Checked Baggage (Piece Concept — Americas and Africa)

On flights to and from the Americas and Africa, a piece-based system applies instead:

• Economy Special/Saver: One piece up to 23 kg
• Economy Flex/Flex Plus: Two pieces, each up to 23 kg
• Business Class: Two pieces, each up to 32 kg
• First Class: Two pieces, each up to 32 kg

Excess Baggage

Travellers who exceed their free allowance can purchase extra baggage online in advance or pay at the airport, with online pre-purchase usually working out cheaper than airport counter rates in Philippine Peso. Extra baggage can also be added during the booking process on Traveloka for a smoother experience when booking a Manila-Dubai flight.

Prohibited and Restricted Items

• Dangerous goods, flammable materials, explosives, and sharp objects are not allowed in either cabin or checked baggage
• Lithium batteries, power banks, and electronic cigarettes must travel in cabin baggage only, never in checked luggage
• Sporting equipment such as golf clubs, surfboards, and bicycles may be accepted as checked baggage within size and weight limits; contact the airline in advance for oversized items

Check-in Guide

Airport Counter Check-in

Check-in counters are available at Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport and every other departure airport on the network. Recommended arrival times before departure:

• All international flights: At least 3 hours before departure, with 4 hours advisable during peak travel periods such as the Christmas and Holy Week rush out of Manila
• Dubai departures: Counters open up to 24 hours before departure at Dubai International Airport Terminal 3

At the counter, staff verify travel documents, issue the boarding pass, tag and accept checked baggage, and confirm gate information. Passengers connecting through Dubai on onward journeys to Europe, the Middle East, Africa, or the Americas should also check the connecting flight's own minimum connection time.

Online Check-in

Online check-in opens 48 hours before scheduled departure and closes 90 minutes before departure. Travellers from the Philippines can check in via:

• The airline's official website
• The mobile app on iOS or Android devices

Once checked in online, passengers can save the boarding pass to a mobile device or print it. Those with checked baggage can head to the dedicated baggage drop counter for a faster process, while passengers travelling with cabin baggage only can proceed straight to security screening.

Self-Service Kiosks

At select airports, including the Dubai hub, self-service kiosks let travellers print their own boarding pass and baggage tags, cutting down time spent at the traditional check-in counter.

Cabin Classes and In-Flight Experience

The airline is well known for the quality of its in-flight product across all four cabin types, each designed to deliver comfort and innovation at its respective price point.

Economy Class

• Comfortable seat pitch with an adjustable headrest and personal reading light
• The ice entertainment system, offering thousands of channels of movies, TV shows, music, podcasts, and games on a personal seatback screen
• Complimentary multi-course meals drawing on international cuisines, plus a choice of beverages including wine, beer, and spirits
• Complimentary blanket, pillow, and amenity items
• USB and power outlets at most seats for charging devices

Premium Economy

Premium Economy is being progressively rolled out across the A380, Boeing 777, and Airbus A350-900 fleets and is now available on a growing number of routes. It offers:

• Wider seats with generous recline in a more spacious layout than Economy Class
• Adjustable headrest, cushioned calf rest, and full footrest
• An elevated dining experience with upgraded meal presentation and tableware
• A larger ice entertainment screen paired with noise-cancelling headphones
• Dedicated check-in counters at the Dubai hub for faster processing

Availability on any given Manila departure depends on the aircraft assigned to that flight, so it is worth checking the cabin configuration shown at the time of booking on Traveloka.

Business Class

• Lie-flat seats that convert into fully flat beds on long-haul sectors
• Modern seat configurations on newer and retrofitted aircraft, with older cabins being progressively upgraded fleet-wide
• Multi-course dining with regionally inspired menus, wines, and premium spirits
• An exclusive onboard lounge on Airbus A380 flights, serving drinks and light bites
• Amenity kits and comfort items on long-haul sectors
• Complimentary chauffeur-drive service in select cities on eligible fares

First Class

• Private suites on select Boeing 777 and A380 aircraft
• An onboard shower spa on A380 flights, letting First Class passengers freshen up mid-flight
• Fine dining with an extensive wine and champagne list
• Exclusive onboard lounge access on A380 aircraft
• Complimentary chauffeur-drive service to and from the airport in most cities
• Amenity kits from well-known brands

In-Flight Meals

• Multi-course meals with a choice of main courses, including options inspired by the destination and regional cuisines
• Halal-certified meals served as standard on every flight
• Special meal requests available, including vegetarian, vegan, kosher, gluten-free, diabetic, low-sodium, and child-friendly options, ideally requested at least 24 hours before departure
• Complimentary beverages including soft drinks, juices, tea, coffee, and alcoholic drinks

In-Flight Entertainment — the ice System

• Thousands of channels of on-demand entertainment
• Hollywood, Asian, and regional films in multiple languages, including Filipino-language and Tagalog content on many routes
• TV box sets, documentaries, and children's programming
• An extensive music library of tracks, albums, and podcasts
• Live TV and sports channels on select aircraft
• Games and interactive applications
• Wi-Fi connectivity available for purchase on most aircraft, with complimentary allowances for Skywards members on select tiers

Passenger Policies and Special Services

Travelling with Children and Infants

• Children (2 to 11 years): Require their own seat and ticket, with child fares available on most routes. Children must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or older
• Infants (under 2 years): May travel on an accompanying adult's lap at a reduced infant fare. Bassinets are available on request for younger infants on long-haul flights, subject to availability
• Required documents: A valid passport for every child and infant, plus any visas required for the destination or transit country
• Strollers may be used up to the boarding gate and are stored in the aircraft hold during the flight
• Baby meals and infant amenity kits are provided on request

Pregnant Passengers

• Travel is generally unrestricted in the early and middle stages of pregnancy
• In later stages, a medical certificate and a letter from a doctor confirming fitness to fly is typically required
• Cut-off points apply for travel in late pregnancy, particularly for multiple pregnancies; passengers should confirm exact requirements directly with the airline before booking
• Consulting a healthcare provider before travelling during pregnancy is recommended

Passengers Requiring Special Assistance

• Wheelchair assistance from check-in through boarding, during transit, and on arrival
• Special seating arrangements to accommodate medical equipment or mobility devices
• Trained cabin crew available to assist during the flight
• Medical clearance may be required for certain conditions; travellers should contact the airline at least 48 hours before departure
• Portable oxygen concentrators are permitted on board with prior approval
• Service and assistance animals may be accommodated subject to airline policy and destination regulations

Unaccompanied Minors

• Children aged 5 to 11: Must use the Unaccompanied Minor service, which provides dedicated supervision from departure to arrival and is mandatory for this age group travelling without an adult
• Children aged 12 to 15: May travel alone but can also be registered for the same service on request
• A fee applies for the optional service for older children, and parents or guardians must complete all required documentation before departure
• A designated responsible adult must be present at both the departure and arrival airports

Skywards Frequent Flyer Programme

The airline's frequent flyer programme lets members earn Miles on flights and with partner airlines, hotels, car rental companies, and retail brands. Key features include:

• Tier levels: Blue, Silver, Gold, and Platinum, each unlocking progressively greater benefits
• Earning Miles: Based on fare class, route, and cabin, including on Manila-Dubai flights
• Redeeming Miles: For reward flights, cabin upgrades, excess baggage, and lifestyle rewards
• Extra baggage: Elite members typically receive an additional checked baggage allowance on top of the standard fare allowance
• Lounge access: Gold and Platinum members enjoy complimentary access to lounges worldwide

Since tier requirements, Miles pricing, and lounge policies are updated from time to time, frequent flyers in the Philippines should check the latest Skywards terms directly on the airline's official website before relying on any specific earn or redemption figures.

Reschedule, Cancellation, and Refund Policy

Rescheduling Flights

To reschedule an Emirates flight booked through Traveloka:

• Open the Traveloka app or website and go to My Booking
• Select the Emirates booking to be modified
• Choose the reschedule option and pick a new preferred flight date and time
• Pay any applicable rescheduling fee or fare difference in Philippine Peso

Rescheduling fees and conditions depend on the fare type booked. Flex and Flex Plus fares generally offer more flexibility, with lower or waived change fees, while promotional and Economy Special fares tend to carry stricter conditions and higher rebooking charges. It is always worth reviewing the fare rules shown at the time of booking.

Cancellations and Refunds

Refund eligibility depends on the ticket type and fare rules:

• Fully refundable fares (Flex Plus): Cancel for a full refund to the original payment method
• Partially refundable fares (Flex, Saver): A cancellation fee is deducted from the refund amount
• Non-refundable promotional fares (Special): Generally not eligible for a cash refund, though these may be converted into travel credit for future bookings

To request a cancellation or refund, visit the booking details on Traveloka and follow the guided process. Refund processing typically takes several business days depending on the payment method used; for credit or debit card payments, the refund usually appears within one to two billing cycles.

Airline-Initiated Changes and Cancellations

If Emirates cancels or significantly changes a flight schedule, passengers are generally entitled to:

• Rebooking on the next available Emirates flight at no additional cost
• A full refund if the new schedule no longer suits their travel needs
• Hotel accommodation and meal vouchers for extended delays, where applicable

Travelers can contact Traveloka's 24/7 customer support for immediate assistance with any disruption affecting a Manila departure or return journey.

Why Book Emirates Flights on Traveloka

Booking Emirates flights on Traveloka gives travellers in the Philippines a number of practical advantages:

• Competitive fares — Browse promotional fares and special deals on Emirates flights from Manila, all in one place, in Philippine Peso
• Easy comparison — Compare Emirates against other airlines by price, departure time, duration, and number of stops to find the option that fits the trip
• Flexible payment options — Pay using GCash, Maya, credit or debit cards, or choose an instalment payment plan for greater flexibility on higher-value bookings
• Instant e-ticket — Receive booking confirmation and e-ticket right away by email and in the Traveloka app
• 24/7 customer support — Reach Traveloka's support team at any time for booking assistance, changes, or travel questions
• Loyalty rewards — Enjoy Traveloka member deals and promotions on top of the Miles earned through Emirates Skywards
• Seamless add-ons — Add travel insurance, extra baggage, seat selection, and airport transfers during the booking flow
• Bundle and save — Combine an Emirates flight with a hotel booking for additional savings through Traveloka's bundled deals

Tips for Finding Cheap Flights on Traveloka

Fares on this route move constantly with demand and season, so instead of chasing a single lowest price, these strategies help travellers from the Philippines find better value on Emirates flights to Dubai and beyond:

• Book ahead — Fares generally trend upward as the departure date approaches, so booking a few months in advance for an international trip often pays off
• Stay flexible with dates — Use Traveloka's fare calendar to compare prices across different travel dates and spot the more affordable days to fly out of Manila
• Fly midweek — Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to carry lower fares than weekends and Monday mornings
• Set Price Alerts — Turn on Price Alerts on Traveloka for the Manila-Dubai route to get notified whenever fares shift
• Check promotions regularly — Visit the Traveloka promotions page for flash sales, promo codes, and Emirates-specific deals
• Travel during off-peak periods — Avoid the Christmas season and Holy Week rush for typically lower fares
• Consider the Economy Special fare — Travellers packing light and skipping add-ons usually find the most basic Economy fare works out as the better-value option
• Bundle the trip — Book the Emirates flight together with a hotel on Traveloka for combined savings
• Compare connecting options — For onward destinations beyond Dubai, connecting through the Emirates hub can sometimes work out better value than a direct flight on another carrier, depending on the route and season

How to Book Flight Tickets on Traveloka

Follow these steps to book an Emirates flight on Traveloka:

1. Visit traveloka.com or open the Traveloka app and go to the Flights section
2. Enter the departure city (for example, Manila) and destination, select travel dates, choose one-way or round trip, and specify the number of passengers and preferred cabin class
3. Tap search to view all available flights for the selected route, including Emirates options
4. Sort results by price, departure time, duration, or number of stops, then select the preferred Emirates flight
5. Enter passenger details for each traveller: full name as shown on the passport, date of birth, nationality, passport number, and contact information
6. Add optional extras such as additional baggage allowance, seat selection, travel insurance, or airport transfer services
7. Review the complete booking summary, including the base fare, taxes, surcharges, and any add-on costs in Philippine Peso
8. Choose a payment method, such as GCash, Maya, a credit or debit card, or an instalment plan, and complete the transaction
9. Receive the Emirates e-ticket instantly by email and in the Traveloka app; save or screenshot it for reference at the airport

With the e-ticket confirmed, everything is set for a world-class flying experience with Emirates. Check in online 48 hours before departure to save time at the airport, and arrive at Ninoy Aquino International Airport at least 3 hours before an international flight for a smooth departure.