Emirates abides by CAB order to stop Mla-Dubai ticket sale

MANILA, Philippines - Gulf carrier Emirates said yesterday it would comply with the order of the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) to stop selling tickets for flights between Manila and Dubai scheduled after Dec. 26.

Abdalla Al Zamani, Emirates Philippines country manager, said the airline was caught by surprise after the CAB issued the order last Dec. 11.

“We were surprised by the CAB’s order to cease the sale of tickets for our third daily flights out of Manila after Dec. 26, as it is common industry practice to do so while flights are subject to government approval,” Abdalla said in a statement.

He pointed out that Emirates would comply with the directive.

“However we are taking steps to cease the sale of seats as instructed by the CAB,” he added.

He said, the airline has complied with all the regulations of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and host countries where it operates.

“We have always been transparent in our practices, and have acted in accordance with all regulations including those of IATA as well as the CAB,” Abdalla said.

For the last 24 years, Emirates’ flights between Dubai and Manila have been playing a significant role in facilitating trade and tourism, in addition to offering convenient travel options for Filipinos who now travel home more frequently to visit families and friends in the Philippines.

The number of Filipinos working and residing in Dubai is approximately 850,000.