Philippine Airlines (PAL) will resume nonstop flights between Manila and Dubai starting in October, restoring a key route in the Middle East while giving overseas Filipino workers, business travelers, and cargo customers more travel options.

PAL said Monday that it will initially operate four flights a week between Manila and Dubai, with plans to increase the service to daily flights as operations gradually allow.

Starting 2 October, flight PR 658 will leave Manila every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday at 12:50 p.m. and arrive in Dubai at 6 p.m. Flight PR 659 will depart Dubai at 7:45 p.m. on the same day and arrive in Manila at 9:10 a.m. the following day.

“The resumption of Dubai flights will strengthen connectivity for overseas Filipinos, business travelers, tourists, and cargo customers traveling between the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates,” PAL said.

“Dubai also serves as an important gateway to destinations across the Middle East, Africa, and Europe,” it added.

Eligible Philippine passport holders may receive a visa on arrival if they have a valid visa, residence permit, or Green Card issued by the United States, the European Union or the Schengen Area, Australia, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Canada, or New Zealand.