UAE expands global air links with new flight rights to Philippines and Canada

The UAE has strengthened its global aviation network after securing new air service agreements with both the Philippines and Canada, expanding flight rights for UAE national carriers and reinforcing international air connectivity.

The developments, announced by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), follow separate bilateral Air Services Agreement (ASA) consultations and negotiations, underscoring the UAE’s continued focus on supporting passenger demand, trade, and long-term growth in the civil aviation sector.

UAE to Philippines: Additional flights to Manila

The GCAA held ASA consultations with the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) of the Philippines, during which both sides discussed air transport requirements and ways to strengthen bilateral air connectivity.

The consultations resulted in agreement on granting the UAE additional flight entitlements, allowing UAE national carriers to operate additional flights to Manila. The move is intended to enhance air connectivity, meet rising passenger demand, and reflect the strong aviation ties between the two countries.

Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the General Civil Aviation Authority, said: “This step reflects the close cooperation between the UAE and the Philippines in civil aviation and underscores our commitment to enhancing air connectivity and meeting passenger needs, supporting the sustainable growth of the sector, and strengthening people-to-people links between our two countries”.

The UAE and the Philippines maintain a longstanding and dynamic civil aviation partnership, supported by strong passenger demand, robust air connectivity, and the presence of a large Filipino community living and working in the UAE, which continues to drive demand for air transport between the two nations.

Both countries are continuing to enhance cooperation in areas of mutual interest, particularly air services and the expansion of commercial flight operations, contributing to tourism, trade, and people-to-people links while supporting growth in the civil aviation sector.

UAE to Canada: Expanded frequencies and cargo rights

In a separate development, the GCAA announced a key milestone in air transport relations between the UAE and Canada, following bilateral ASA negotiations held during the ICAO Air Services Negotiation Event 2025 (ICAN2025) in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

Under the agreement, both sides approved granting UAE national carriers additional weekly frequencies to points west of the Ontario–Manitoba border, with the application of full fifth-freedom rights allowing unrestricted operations for all-cargo flights between the two countries.

The milestone represents a significant step for UAE national carriers, reinforces the strength of the UAE–Canada partnership, enhances air connectivity, and supports economic growth and future cooperation in civil aviation.

Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the General Civil Aviation Authority, said: “This achievement reflects the strength and depth of the longstanding aviation relationship between the UAE and Canada, and underscores the GCAA’s commitment to developing frameworks of international cooperation that meet the evolving needs of the air transport sector.

“These negotiations highlight the importance of flexibility and coordination between both parties, enabling UAE national carriers to operate additional flights that address growing passenger demand and support the growth of tourism and trade between the two countries.

“This milestone also demonstrates the GCAA’s ongoing commitment to enhancing air connectivity and developing aviation infrastructure and services, further consolidating the UAE’s position as a global hub for civil aviation.”