Emirates launches second daily flight between Dubai and Perth as Saffioti eyes of direct India flights

Major airline Emirates has launched a second daily flight between Dubai and Perth as Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti sets her sights on direct flights to India.

From Sunday, the new service is expected to bring up to 129,000 passengers into WA each year from key tourism markets including Europe, the UK and the US.

“This is another huge win for Western Australia and a massive vote of confidence in our status as a growing aviation hub and premier tourism destination.,” Ms Saffioti said.

“Increased connectivity with Dubai strengthens our ties to key markets across Europe, the UK, and the US, attracting up to 129,000 more visitors each year and stimulating economic growth across the State.

“More flights from these key markets across the globe not only enhance connectivity, they also broaden our appeal as a location for investment.”

The announcement follows the resumption of China Southern Airlines’ direct route between Guangzhou and Perth, while South African Airways is also increasing flights between Johannesburg and Perth from next week due to demand.

“Coming on the back of the recent resumption of direct flights to China via China Southern Airlines, this announcement caps off a massive week for Western Australian aviation,” Ms Saffioti said.

“The launch of a second daily flight to Dubai via Emirates Airlines is a huge boost and will encourage increased tourism and visitation, while helping put downward pressure on the cost of flying.”

WA is served by 25 international airlines with new or resumed direct connections established with 20 global destinations.

“We’ve focused significant time and resources on getting international connections back to where they were before COVID,” Ms Saffioti said.

The post-COVID era has seen the WA Government focus on direct flights to parts of he world it sees as major tourism markets.

There are now direct flights to Rome, Paris and Tokyo.

Ms Saffioti said a priority of the WA Government was direct flights to India.

India has leapt to become Western Australia’s sixth largest market by visitor spend from 11th largest in 2019.

This rapid growth is driven by a large Indian community in WA of about 61,000 residents, including around 9600 international students.

“We’ll continue to drive the expansion of international connections into Western Australia, with a strong focus on the Indian market,” Ms Saffioti said.

“Direct connections into India is a key priority for our government.

“Off the back of the success of the West Test and with a growing Indian population here in Western Australia, there is a strong case for airlines to be considering Perth as a direct link into the Indian market.”