The Philippine government has suspended the rights of Emirates airlines
to serve Manila from Hong Kong and Dubai.
Some observers believe Emirates, the flag airline of the United Arab
Emirates, is the first of several international carriers that could lose
route rights if the Philippine government institutes a new policy to
protect ailing Philippine Airlines.
In a rehabilitation plan presented to Philippine regulators this week,
PAL called for the withdrawal of foreign operating permits on routes to
Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and the Mideast.
PAL, which stopped payment on more than $2.3 billion in debt a year ago,
is trying to raise $200 million by June 4 to appease creditors. The airline
has blamed foreign competition for many of its problems.
EMIRATES FORCED FROM PHILIPPINES
EMIRATES FORCED FROM PHILIPPINES
