More Emirates flights to Qld ahead of planned flights to WA in 2022: New travel rules, how to book

Emirates is increasing its number of seats and flights to Australia. See the new rules and how they impact you.

Emirates is increasing its capacity on flights from Dubai to Brisbane from Thursday, after Queensland reached its 80 per cent double-dose vaccination rate.

With more seats on offer, vaccinated travellers will be able to take advantage of inbound international flights into Queensland via EK430 from Dubai to Brisbane.

Each aircraft will carry more than 350 passengers, and the airline is also increasing its weekly capacity by flying five times weekly between Dubai and Brisbane from January 1, 2022.

Eligible overseas travellers will not have to quarantine in state facilities and can now self-isolate at home, based on Queensland government requirements.

Those looking to board a flight to Brisbane 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 international destination.

To fulfil home quarantine requirements mandated by authorities in Queensland, passengers must also undergo additional PCR tests on day 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.

Emirates are bringing more flights back to Australia.

The news comes as Emirates flights to Perth will also operate at full capacity for eligible vaccinated travellers from February 5, 2022, when Western Australia’s lockdown lifts.

Flights EK420/421 on the Dubai-Perth route will also increase to five times weekly to accommodate more travellers.

Vaccinated travellers arriving in Perth will not be subject to quarantine but will be required to follow government rules on arriving international passengers who must show proof of vaccination.

Emirates Divisional Vice President Australasia, Barry Brown said Emirates’ continued return of international travel across the country may expand as demand increases.

“As the demand for international travel grows by the day, we’re offering greater connectivity for eligible Australians looking to return home and be reunited with their loved ones,” he said. “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.”

Those flying from Dubai to Perth must provide a negative PCR test result with 72 hours validity before leaving for Perth. Proof of vaccination against Covid-19 with a TGA-approved vaccine is also required for a permit. Passengers must also apply for a G2G Pass.

WA rules require arriving international passengers to undergo Covid-19 tests within 48 hours of arrival and at six days after arriving in Perth.

Since December 1, Emirates’ A380 services returned to Australia, with a daily service between Dubai and Sydney.

Emirates has also introduced a daily Dubai to Melbourne service earlier this month which has provided more than 1,000 additional seats weekly between the two cities.