If you’re a passenger from Australia and are looking to travel into Asia, I’m sure you’re aware of the range and options that are available when it comes to selecting a carrier. Singapore, Qantas, Virgin, Cathay are just some of the carriers that fly into Asia but there’s one carrier I haven’t mentioned that is also quite significant in bringing Australian passengers to Asia.

Emirates run over 70 services a week into Australia however, not all of those flights go directly back to the carriers home, Dubai. Instead of this, they offer fifth-freedom services to Asia.

One of the services the Dubai based airline runs is the Singapore – Brisbane flight which is operated by a 777-300ER daily (EK432/433).

Unfortunately for passengers, The Strait Times Singapore is reporting that Emirates has applied to completely withdraw the service.

According to the newspaper, if the airline does in fact pull this route from service, there would be a decrease of 4,956 seats or 16% on a week to week basis.

If you’re interested in how the decision is made, it’s first a public consultation which then is processed and a decision will be made from there. The final result will be made available on the 24th of September and more information regarding the Qantas/Emirates agreements for the route, pricing and ticketing & new airline/route (if applicable) will be made.

As for passengers, yes it’s really sad to see this could quite possibly be the end of this route but there are already so many other options to get there and don’t think they’ll be impacted too badly.

Etihad also used to offer a Brisbane – Singapore service which connected onto Abu Dhabi but that was cut quite some time ago as loads just weren’t good enough to keep the route running.

I’m quite interested to see what comes of this and wonder if possibly Qantas could take that route over, similarly like the New Zealand flights QF took over from EK.

What are your thoughts, Do you think Emirates will cut the service and if so, which airline would replace it?