Emirates has announced that it will start its first non-stop service from Dubai to Auckland on 1 March 2016, bringing many of its 38 European destinations and cities within just one-stop range of New Zealand through direct connections in Dubai.

A Boeing 777-200LR aircraft will operate the new service carrying up to 266 passengers including eight in First Class, 42 in Business Class and 216 in Economy Class.

Flight EK 448 will depart Dubai at 10:05am and arrive in Auckland the following day at 11:00am (local summer time). Flight EK 449 will depart Auckland each night (local summer time) at 9:30pm, arriving in Dubai the following morning at 5:45 am (local time).

Travellers currently booked on existing services to Dubai and beyond will be able to switch to the new service without additional fees.