Emirates is planning to offer a third daily non-stop flight from Manchester to Dubai. The new service, operated by an Airbus A330-200 aircraft, will commence on May 1.

News of the move, which increases the carrier’s capacity from Manchester by 25%, comes shortly after Etihad and Qatar announced plans to increase their Manchester operations.

Emirates will become the first airline to operate three daily flights from Manchester to the same long haul destination. The third flight will leave daily from Manchester at 9.40am, allowing for connections to Thailand, the Middle East and India.

An Emirates spokesperson revealed that the additional morning departure from Manchester will give travellers enhanced connection opportunities to destinations in Thailand, the Indian sub-continent and the Middle East.