Emirates axes flight between Melbourne and Singapore after 28 years

Emirates has announced it will discontinue its flight between a busy Australian city and a tourist hotspot after 28 years.

The airline’s eight-hour route between Melbourne and Singapore will soon be axed as the company moves to release itself from capacity commitments that were part of its Qantas alliance.

The Dubai-based carrier — which has been operating the flight since 1996 — told the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore last month of its decision but are still awaiting a final assessment to confirm an official end date for the route.

An Emirates spokesperson confirmed to Australian Aviation that affected passengers will be offered alternative travel arrangements.

“Emirates will determine the termination date of the EK404/405 Singapore–Melbourne service after receiving the final assessment of the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS),” an Emirates spokesperson said.

“When the termination date is finalised, Emirates will communicate changes to affected passengers and offer them alternative travel arrangements.”

Once the route ends, it is understood that Emirates will not operate any flights between Singapore and Australia.

The airline will continue operating four daily flights between Singapore and Dubai and two flights from Melbourne to Dubai.