Manila is a heavily travelled route from the UAE, particularly among the large Filipino community, with a nonstop flight of around 8 hours 45 minutes. The airline choice spans premium full-service to low-cost.
Full-service options
Emirates flies direct from Dubai with wide-body comfort, Etihad serves Manila from Abu Dhabi, and Philippine Airlines, the country's flag carrier, offers a direct full-service option with strong onward domestic connections across the islands.
Budget option
Cebu Pacific, the Philippines' largest low-cost carrier, is usually the budget choice on the route and a strong option if you are connecting onward to the islands cheaply. As with any low-cost fare, add baggage at booking and compare the total.
How to choose
- Direct wide-body comfort with bags included: Emirates or Philippine Airlines.
- Connecting onward across the Philippine islands: Philippine Airlines or Cebu Pacific.
- Lowest lead fare and travelling light: Cebu Pacific, total compared.
- Flying from Abu Dhabi: Etihad.
See the full Dubai to Manila route guide to compare airlines and live fares.
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Browse Travel eSIMsFrequently Asked Questions
Which airlines fly direct from Dubai to Manila?
Emirates and Philippine Airlines fly direct from Dubai, Cebu Pacific offers a low-cost option, and Etihad serves Manila from Abu Dhabi. Nonstop time is around 8 hours 45 minutes.
When is the busiest time to fly Dubai to Manila?
Christmas is the overwhelming peak, with fares highest and seats selling months in advance. Book early for December and compare live fares.