Superdeals: 40–80% off flights from Australasia to UAE

Direct flight routes to UAE

Non-stop flights from Australasia to UAE are limited but available from major cities.

• Sydney (SYD) to Dubai (DXB) – Emirates – 14h 10m


• Melbourne (MEL) to Dubai (DXB) – Emirates – 14h 20m


• Brisbane (BNE) to Dubai (DXB) – Emirates – 14h 45m


• Perth (PER) to Dubai (DXB) – Emirates – 11h 05m


• Auckland (AKL) to Dubai (DXB) – Emirates – 17h 05m

Layover/stopover options

Singapore (SIN) – Main hub for Singapore Airlines with excellent connectivity. Average connection times of 2-3 hours, modern facilities, and free city tours for longer layovers.

Kuala Lumpur (KUL) – Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia X hub. Typical connections of 3-4 hours, affordable airport hotels, and quick city access.

Bangkok (BKK) – Thai Airways hub offering 3-5 hour connections. Features multiple lounges and extensive shopping options. Good for overnight layovers with nearby airport hotels.

Time vs money

Direct flights typically command premium prices but save 5-7 hours of total travel time. Flights with layovers often cost 20-30% less than direct options.

Tips and recommendations

• Book mixed-carrier itineraries for better deals, especially combining full-service and budget airlines through Singapore or Kuala Lumpur.


• Consider departing from Perth for shorter flight times and often lower fares to UAE.


• Mid-week departures typically offer better pricing than weekend flights.


• Singapore layovers under 24 hours allow free transit without visa requirements.


• Emirates frequently offers stopover packages in Dubai when booking return flights, providing hotel deals.

• Royal Brunei Airlines offers consistently lower fares to Dubai via Brunei from eastern Australian cities, often 20-30% below market average. Their Boeing 787 Dreamliners feature a comfortable 32-inch pitch in economy, and the airline’s dry policy means quieter cabins for rest.
• Flying from Perth via Singapore Airlines to Dubai can save up to 35% compared to direct flights, with the added benefit of their superior economy product featuring 32-inch pitch and 19-inch width seats. The Singapore connection also allows for convenient stopover options with free city tours during layovers exceeding 5.5 hours.
• Malaysian Airlines operates a hidden gem route from Sydney and Melbourne to Dubai via Kuala Lumpur, typically priced 25% below direct flights. Their A330s feature ergonomic seats with 32-inch pitch, and their generous 30kg baggage allowance beats most competitors.
• For travelers from New Zealand, combining Air New Zealand to Singapore with Emirates to Dubai often results in better value than flying Emirates all the way. This routing allows access to Air New Zealand’s superior economy product on the first leg, featuring the innovative Skycouch option.
• Thai Airways offers competitive fares from Brisbane and Melbourne to Dubai via Bangkok, with their new Airbus A350 featuring enhanced humidity control and lower cabin pressure for better comfort. Their generous stopover program allows for free hotel stays on layovers exceeding 8 hours, effectively providing a two-destination trip for the price of one.

1. Booking non-direct routes to save money While multi-stop flights through Southeast Asian hubs like Singapore or Kuala Lumpur might be cheaper, they can add unnecessary travel time and increase the risk of missed connections, especially during UAE’s peak summer season.
2. Not considering Dubai vs Abu Dhabi airports Many travelers automatically book flights to Dubai International (DXB) without checking if Abu Dhabi International (AUH) might offer better connections or prices, particularly when flying with Etihad Airways.
3. Flying during Ramadan without preparation Booking flights during Ramadan without accounting for changed flight schedules, airport service hours, and potentially higher prices can lead to travel complications and unexpected expenses.
4. Ignoring overnight layover options Travelers often avoid overnight layovers in hub cities like Singapore or Bangkok, missing out on airline-provided hotel stays and the opportunity to break up the long journey from Australasia.
5. Booking too close to major events Waiting too long to book flights during major UAE events like Dubai Shopping Festival or Abu Dhabi Grand Prix can result in extremely high fares and limited availability on direct routes from Sydney, Melbourne, or Auckland.

Emirates

Best for: Most extensive direct flight network from Australasia to UAE, with exceptional service quality.

Operates from 7 airports in the region (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Auckland, and Christchurch) to Dubai. All flights feature modern Boeing 777 or A380 aircraft with well-designed Economy seats offering 32-34 inch pitch. Highly rated complimentary dining with regional menu options and generous beverage selection. Comprehensive entertainment system with over 4,500 channels. Consistent passenger rating of 4.3/5 for Economy Class experience.

Etihad Airways

Best for: Superior comfort and generous baggage allowance in Economy Class.

Serves 4 major airports (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth) with flights to Abu Dhabi. Known for its comfortable Economy Smart Seats with adjustable support and 31-33 inch pitch. Offers acclaimed dining program with multiple meal choices and special dietary options. Provides 23kg checked baggage allowance on all tickets. Average passenger rating of 4.1/5 for Economy service.

Qatar Airways

Best for: Efficient connections through Doha with award-winning service standards.

Operates from 3 major cities (Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth) to UAE via Doha. Notable for short connection times and modern A350 and B777 fleet. Economy Class features 31-33 inch pitch seats with good recline. Distinguished by high-quality dining service and attentive cabin crew. Maintains 4.2/5 passenger satisfaction rating for Economy Class.

Qantas

Best for: Australian-style service with optimal departure times from major cities.

Serves 3 key routes (Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane) to Dubai through Singapore codeshare with Emirates. Features well-maintained A330 and B787 aircraft with ergonomic Economy seats offering 32 inch pitch. Popular for its Australian wine selection and menu designed for long-haul comfort. Receives consistent 4.0/5 rating from Economy passengers.

Savvy travelers can leverage regional Asian carriers to slash costs when flying between Australasia and the UAE. The key lies in breaking up the journey strategically through Southeast Asian hubs.

Main hub strategy

Instead of booking direct flights with major carriers like Qantas or Emirates, consider splitting your journey using hubs like Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, or Bangkok. These locations serve as perfect connection points between Australasia and the Middle East.

Recommended carrier combinations

1. First leg: Use budget carriers like AirAsia X, Scoot, or Jetstar Asia from Australia/NZ to Southeast Asia
2. Second leg: Connect with carriers like Thai Airways, Malaysia Airlines, or Air India to reach UAE

Key money-saving tips

Book each leg separately and allow ample connection time. While this requires more planning, savings can reach up to 40% compared to direct flights. Consider mid-week travel and booking 2-3 months ahead for best rates. Many regional carriers offer promotional fares during off-peak seasons, particularly February-March and October-November.

Remember to factor in potential overnight stays and baggage fees when calculating total costs. Despite these considerations, this strategy often provides substantial savings for flexible travelers.