Emirates increases capacity to 100% on Australia flights

File photo (For illustration)

Emirates is increasing its capacity on flights from Dubai to Brisbane commencing on December 16, in line with the easing of local government restrictions on international travel.

It comes after the state achieved its target to reach a double-dose vaccination rate of 80 per cent.

With the return to full capacity on inbound international flights into Queensland flight EK430 from Dubai to Brisbane can carry more than 350 passengers per flight, and will be operated with a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.

Emirates is also increasing its weekly capacity on the route by boosting the frequency of flights EK430/431 between Dubai and Brisbane to five times weekly, effective January 1, 2022, with the potential to increase in line with demand.

From February 5, Emirates flights to Perth will also operate at full capacity for eligible vaccinated travellers.

The frequency on flights EK420/421 on the Dubai-Perth route will also increase to five times weekly to accommodate more Australian citizens and residents returning home as well as international travellers planning to visit the Western Australian destination.

To Brisbane, eligible overseas travellers will no longer have to quarantine in state facilities and can now self-isolate at home, based on a series of requirements stipulated by the Queensland government. Furthermore, vaccinated travellers arriving in Perth will not be subject to quarantine but will be required to follow Western Australia's guidance on arriving international passengers with proof of fully vaccinated status.

"This comes as we're celebrating 25 years of flying to Australia and have already increased our services to Sydney and Melbourne and brought back our flagship A380 to serve our customers travelling into and out of New South Wales," said Emirates Divisional Vice President Australasia, Barry Brown.

Travel requirements for Brisbane

To board Emirates flights to Brisbane, travellers must be Australian citizens, permanent residents, or an immediate family member and must also provide proof they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with a TGA-approved vaccine.

Passengers must also provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test result within three days of the scheduled date of departure from their destination of origin.

To fulfil home quarantine requirements mandated by authorities in Queensland, passengers must also undergo additional PCR tests on days one and 12 of their quarantine period, and any other time during quarantine when experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.

Before entering Queensland, eligible travellers must apply for and receive a Queensland International Arrivals Registration in addition to submitting the Australia Travel Declaration.

Travel to Perth

The easing of Western Australia's border restrictions will allow vaccinated international travellers to enter Perth with no quarantine required on arrival.

Passengers must provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test result with 72 hours validity before departure to Perth. Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 with a TGA-approved vaccine is also required in order to obtain a permit to enter. Passengers must apply for a G2G Pass prior to travel.

Western Australia regulations require arriving international passengers to undergo COVID 19 tests within 48 hours of arrival and at 6 days after arrival in Perth.

Emirates currently operates services to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, in addition to more than 120 destinations globally.

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