When planning a journey across the globe, travelers often look for the most convenient and cost-effective routes. One lesser-known but highly advantageous option is fifth freedom flights. These routes allow passengers to fly with some of the world’s top airlines—experiencing unparalleled luxury and service—while enjoying significant savings.
For those who love flying with Emirates, these routes are a game-changer. Not only do they provide access to Emirates’ world-class business and first-class cabins, but they also offer a unique opportunity to redeem miles at significantly lower costs compared to standard long-haul routes.
What exactly is a fifth freedom route?
In the world of aviation, fifth freedom refers to the right of an airline to carry passengers between two foreign countries as part of a service that originates or ends in the airline’s home country. In simpler terms, it means that Emirates, based in Dubai, can operate non-stop flights between two destinations outside of the United Arab Emirates, such as Barcelona to Mexico, or Singapore to Melbourne. A complete list of their fifth freedom routes is found below.
This concept is derived from the “freedoms of the air,” which are a set of commercial aviation rights granting a country’s airlines the privilege to enter and land in another country’s airspace. The fifth freedom is one of several freedoms of the air, each of which grants different rights to airlines.
Why choose an Emirates fifth freedom route?
For travellers, choosing an Emirates fifth freedom route comes with a host of benefits. Firstly, passengers get to experience the renowned Emirates hospitality and service, characterized by luxurious amenities and five-star comfort. From spacious seating to gourmet dining options and top-notch entertainment systems, Emirates ensures that every aspect of the journey is tailored to provide the ultimate travel experience. Flying from Melbourne to Singapore on Emirates give you the opportunity to experience the Emirates lounge at Melbourne Airport.
Moreover, Emirates fifth freedom routes often offer significant savings for passengers, particularly when using miles or points to book flights. In Australia you can book a redemption ticket on Emirates with Qantas points if you dont have Skywards miles. Just ensure you are ahead of your game and know when Qantas releases reward seats. Be mindful that you are able to redeem with classic rewards and not the newly launched classic PLUS flight rewards as these are for Qantas operated flights only.
When booking a redemption / reward ticket on the fifth freedom flights of Emirates, one massive bonus are that the taxes are significantly lower. Let’s take a closer look at two examples to illustrate this point:
Examples of Emirates fifth freedom routes
- Melbourne to Dubai: (Not a fifth freedom route by Emirates)
On a regular route like EK 409, a business class ticket from Melbourne to Dubai would set you back 152,500 miles, plus AUD $1200 in taxes. This is a 14-hour flight, and the taxes alone make this an unattractive proposition for many travellers.
Buying the ticket outright in Business Class would set you back around AUD$7500. - Barcelona to Mexico: (A fifth freedom route offered by Emirates)
Despite it being a lengthy journey of 12 hours and 30 minutes, passengers can fly business class for just 96,000 miles, plus $222 in taxes. This represents a significant discount compared to traditional routes, allowing travellers to enjoy the utmost comfort without breaking the bank.
Buying the ticket outright in Business Class would set you back around AUD$5100.
Why Are Fifth Freedom Flights Cheaper?
Many travelers wonder why these routes can be sometimes priced lower than standard long-haul flights. The reasons include:
✅ Increased Competition: Since these flights operate between two foreign countries, Emirates competes with local airlines, often leading to lower fares.
✅ Operational Efficiency: Airlines use these routes to maximize aircraft utilization rather than leaving planes idle between flights. This helps cover costs, allowing them to price tickets more competitively.
✅ Lower Taxes & Fees: Some fifth freedom flights have significantly lower airport taxes than traditional long-haul flights. This is especially true when booking with miles or points.
How to Book Emirates Fifth Freedom Flights
Finding and booking these routes is easier than most travellers think. Here’s how:
🔍 Use Google Flights: Search for flights between your chosen cities and look for Emirates-operated flights.
✈️ Check Emirates’ Website: Enter your departure and destination cities, and look for flights that don’t stop in Dubai—these are often fifth freedom routes.
💰 Redeem Miles for Huge Savings: If you have Emirates Skywards miles or Qantas Frequent Flyer points, you can book these flights at a fraction of the price of a standard long-haul ticket.
🌍Check Travel Agencies – Some agencies have access to exclusive discounts.
⚠️ Classic Rewards vs. Classic Plus: When booking Emirates flights with Qantas points, ensure you book Classic Rewards, not Classic Plus—the latter is reserved for Qantas-operated flights only.
🔧 Use Award Search Tools – Websites like ExpertFlyer and Seats.aero help find Skywards redemption availability.
🛫 Book Early: Fifth freedom flights are popular among savvy travelers, so award seats and the best fares sell out quickly.
Current list of Emirates fifth freedom routes (2025):
Here is a list of current fifth freedom routes with Emirates as of 2025:
The fares noted below are one-way fares / redemptions for travel during April. They are approximate and dependant on fare type and dates.
Long-Haul Fifth Freedom Routes
Athens to Newark
✈️ Flight Time: 10 hrs 45 mins
🛩️ Aircraft: Boeing 777-300ER
💼 Business Class: 87,000 miles + AUD$232 (Ticket Price: AUD$4,650)
👑 First Class: 102,000 miles + AUD$232 (Ticket Price: AUD$9,458)
Milan to New York
✈️ Flight Time: 8 hrs 45 mins
🛩️ Aircraft: Airbus A380
💼 Business Class: 87,000 miles + AUD$222 (Ticket Price: AUD$4,238)
👑 First Class: 102,000 miles + AUD$222 (Ticket Price: AUD$8,000)
Barcelona to Mexico City
✈️ Flight Time: 12 hrs 30 mins
🛩️ Aircraft: Boeing 777-200LR (2-Class)
💼 Business Class: 96,000 miles + AUD$215 (Ticket Price: AUD$5,144)
Singapore to Melbourne
🚨 This route will be discontinued by March 2025.
✈️ Flight Time: 7 hrs 10 mins
🛩️ Aircraft: Boeing 777
💼 Business Class: 201,250 miles + AUD$101 (Ticket Price: AUD$3,448)
👑 First Class: 237,500 miles + AUD$101 (Ticket Price: AUD$6,555)
Short & Medium-Haul Fifth Freedom Routes
Sydney to Christchurch
✈️ Flight Time: 3 hrs 5 mins
🛩️ Aircraft: Airbus A380
💼 Business Class: 43,200 miles + AUD$185 (Ticket Price: AUD$984)
👑 First Class: 82,200 miles + AUD$185 (Ticket Price: AUD$1,704)
Bangkok to Hong Kong
✈️ Flight Time: 3 hrs 15 mins
🛩️ Aircraft: Airbus A380
💼 Business Class: 39,000 miles + AUD$33 (Ticket Price: AUD$539)
👑 First Class: 45,000 miles + AUD$33 (Ticket Price: AUD$1,059)
Miami to Bogotá
✈️ Flight Time: 3 hrs 35 mins
🛩️ Aircraft: Boeing 777
💼 Business Class: 52,500 miles + USD$106 (Ticket Price: USD$1,168)
👑 First Class: 60,000 miles + USD$106 (Ticket Price: USD$3,331)
Rio de Janeiro to Buenos Aires
✈️ Flight Time: 3 hrs 25 mins
🛩️ Aircraft: Boeing 777
💼 Business Class: 49,500 miles + BRL 392 (Ticket Price: BRL 6,945)
Colombo to Malé
✈️ Flight Time: 1 hr 40 mins
🛩️ Aircraft: Boeing 777
💼 Business Class: 19,500 miles + AUD$186 (Ticket Price: AUD$659)
👑 First Class: 22,500 miles + AUD$186 (Ticket Price: AUD$1,686)
Singapore to Phnom Penh
✈️ Flight Time: 2 hrs 0 mins
🛩️ Aircraft: Boeing 777
💼 Business Class: 39,000 miles + SGD$143.80 (Ticket Price: SGD$843)
👑 First Class: 45,000 miles + SGD$143.80 (Ticket Price: SGD$2,663)
Larnaca to Malta
✈️ Flight Time: 2 hrs 45 mins
🛩️ Aircraft: Boeing 777
💼 Business Class: 32,500 miles + EUR 27.95 (Ticket Price: EUR 917)
👑 First Class: 45,000 miles + EUR 27.95 (Ticket Price: EUR 1,517)
Seychelles to Antananarivo
✈️ Flight Time: 2 hrs 45 mins
🛩️ Aircraft: Boeing 777
💼 Business Class: 20,000 miles + SCR 1,657 (Ticket Price: SCR 18,381)
👑 First Class: 22,500 miles + SCR 1,657 (Ticket Price: SCR 40,416)
Harare to Lusaka
✈️ Flight Time: 1 hr 10 mins
🛩️ Aircraft: Boeing 777
💼 Business Class: 19,500 miles + USD$108 (Ticket Price: USD$931)
👑 First Class: 22,500 miles + USD$108 (Ticket Price: USD$2,410)
Accra to Abidjan
✈️ Flight Time: 1 hr 0 mins
🛩️ Aircraft: Boeing 777
💼 Business Class: 19,500 miles + GHS 2,143.60 (Ticket Price: GHS 19,317)
👑 First Class: 22,500 miles + GHS 2,143.60 (Ticket Price: GHS 78,155)
If you’re considering booking one of these flights, redeeming miles can be an excellent option—especially for long-haul flights where the cash price can be high.
· Short-haul flights are great for quick luxury experiences at a lower price.
· Medium-haul flights provide excellent value for Skywards redemptions.
· Long-haul flights are the best way to fully experience Emirates’ First Class Suites and lie-flat Business Class seats.
🔥 Best Value Emirates Fifth Freedom Routes
💡 Value Is Subjective!
Redemption value is personal. To get a point value use a point redemption value calculator. A high value per mile doesn’t always mean it’s the best use of your miles. Would you trade 22,500 miles for a 1-hour flight? Probably not!
To find the true best value, let’s factor in the length of each route. A long-haul flight at 5¢ per mile per sae might be better than a short-haul one at 10¢ per mile. Now, let’s rank them based on flight time to see where your miles stretch the furthest! 🚀
Best Fifth Freedom Redemptions Based on Value Per Mile & Flight Time
| Route | Class | Flight Time | Miles Required | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athens → Newark | Business | 10h 45m | 87,000 | ✅✅✅✅ Excellent |
| Barcelona → Mexico City | Business | 12h 30m | 96,000 | ✅✅✅✅ Excellent |
| Milan → New York | Business | 8h 45m | 87,000 | ✅✅✅ Great |
| Seychelles → Antananarivo | First | 2h 45m | 22,500 | ✅✅ Good |
| Sydney → Christchurch | Business | 3h 05m | 43,200 | ✅ Fair |
| Bangkok → Hong Kong | Business | 3h 15m | 39,000 | ✅ Fair |
| Buenos Aires → Rio de Janeiro | Business | 3h 25m | 49,500 | ✅ Fair |
| Larnaca → Malta | Business | 2h 45m | 32,500 | ✅ Fair |
| Accra → Abidjan | Business | 1h 00m | 19,500 | ⚠️ Poor |
| Harare → Lusaka | Business | 1h 10m | 19,500 | ⚠️ Poor |
| Colombo → Malé | Business | 1h 40m | 19,500 | ⚠️ Poor |
| Accra → Abidjan | First | 1h 00m | 22,500 | ⚠️ Very Poor |
| Harare → Lusaka | First | 1h 10m | 22,500 | ⚠️ Very Poor |
| Colombo → Malé | First | 1h 40m | 22,500 | ⚠️ Very Poor |
| Singapore → Phnom Penh | First | 2h 00m | 45,000 | 🚨 Terrible |
| Singapore → Phnom Penh | Business | 2h 00m | 39,000 | 🚨 Terrible |
🏆 Key Takeaways
✅✅✅✅ Best Redemptions (Long-Haul Wins!):
Athens → Newark & Barcelona → Mexico City – Superb value!
Milan → New York – Still amazing for a transatlantic journey.
🚨 Worst Redemptions (Short Flights, High Miles Used):
Singapore → Phnom Penh (First Class) – 45,000 miles for 2 hours? No thanks!
Short routes like Accra → Abidjan & Harare → Lusaka – Waste of miles unless cash fares are crazy high.
💎 Good Redemptions (Shorter but Worth It!):
Seychelles → Antananarivo – A solid mid-haul choice.
Larnaca → Malta – Decent value for a short-haul redemption.
⚠️ Short-Medium Flights Where You Might Reconsider Using Miles:
Bangkok → Hong Kong
Sydney → Christchurch
💡 Bottom Line:
Long-haul flights like Athens → Newark and Barcelona → Mexico City offer the best bang for your buck, while short flights eat up your miles quickly. If a cash fare is cheap, it’s better to pay instead of redeeming miles for short flights! ✈️💳
Emirates Axes Singapore-Melbourne Fifth Freedom Flight
📢 (December 2024): Emirates has announced that its Singapore to Melbourne route will cease by the end of March 2025.
This move marks a significant change in Emirates’ operations, reducing its fifth freedom presence in the Asia-Pacific region. However, new potential fifth freedom routes may emerge in the near future.
*A new non-stop route from Melbourne to Dubai will replace the Singapore – Melbourne route, operating as flight EK405. This will be another Emirates game changer route, featuring the fully retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER equipped with Emirates’ First Class Game Changer suites.
Wide-Body Aircraft: A Hidden Travel Hack
One notable strategy for passengers seeking fifth freedom routes for example in Europe, is to look for airlines that operate wide-body aircraft. While many European carriers primarily operate narrow-body planes for shorter flights, there are exceptions. For example, Ethiopian Airlines offers a fifth freedom route from Stockholm to Oslo using wide-body aircraft. This means that passengers can enjoy the spaciousness and comfort typically associated with long-haul flights, even on shorter routes.
Wide-body Aircraft: These airplanes have a wide fuselage and typically feature two aisles running along the length of the cabin. Wide-body aircraft are often used for long-haul flights, carrying a large number of passengers and/or cargo. They offer more spacious cabins, allowing for greater passenger comfort and amenities. Examples of wide-body aircraft include the Boeing 777, Airbus A330, and Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
Narrow-body Aircraft: In contrast, narrow-body aircraft have a narrower fuselage and usually feature a single aisle running through the cabin. These planes are commonly used for short to medium-haul flights, serving routes with less passenger demand or shorter distances. Narrow-body aircraft are generally smaller and carry fewer passengers compared to wide-body planes. Examples of narrow-body aircraft include the Boeing 737, Airbus A320, and the Embraer E-Jet series.
Choosing a fifth freedom route with an airline that uses wide-body aircraft can enhance the overall travel experience, providing passengers with more legroom, greater in-flight amenities, and a sense of luxury that is often lacking on shorter flights. For those who prioritize comfort and convenience, this option presents an attractive alternative to traditional narrow-body flights.
Non-Freedom Flights – Wide Body Aircrafts
Passengers should also consider non-freedom flights operated by airlines that utilize wide-body aircraft. While these flights may not offer the same financial benefits as fifth freedom routes, they still provide an opportunity to experience the best that airlines have to offer. In layman’s terms, you get more bang for your buck.
For instance, Turkish Airlines operates flights from Istanbul to Athens using wide-body aircraft on some routes. Despite being a short flight, passengers can take advantage of Turkish Airlines’ renowned pre-departure lounges and superior in-flight service, making it a worthwhile option for those seeking an elevated travel experience.
Ultimately, whether opting for a fifth freedom route or choosing a non-freedom flight with a wide-body aircraft and premium amenities, passengers should prioritize research to ensure they get more value for money. By carefully considering all available options and weighing factors such as comfort, cost, and convenience, travellers can make informed decisions that enhance their overall journey.
Final Thoughts: Why Emirates Fifth Freedom Routes Are a Smart Choice
✅ Luxury for Less: Enjoy Emirates’ world-class service at a fraction of the cost.
✅ Lower Taxes: Many fifth freedom routes have significantly lower fees compared to direct long-haul flights.
✅ Easy Redemptions: Use Skywards Miles or Qantas Points to book these routes for massive savings.
So, next time you plan your travels, consider an Emirates fifth freedom flight—who wouldn’t want to fly in luxury for less? Can’t find a route that suits? Emirates isnt the only airline to have fifth freedom flights. Singapore Airlines operates 5th freedom flights as well as other carriers.
Get Ready for Your Next Adventure!
Before you take off, make sure you’re fully prepared with these essential travel resources:
🧳 The Ultimate Packing Checklist
Struggling to pack efficiently? Download this comprehensive packing list to ensure you have everything you need, from travel essentials to must-have accessories.
🎁 Travel-Friendly Gadgets & Gifts
Looking for the perfect way to ease your trip? Check out these unique travel gifts designed to make your journey smoother.
🌍 Important Travel Updates for UK & Europe
If you’re planning a trip to the UK or Europe, take note of these upcoming changes:
✅ UK ETA: Travelers from countries like Australia and the U.S. will need to apply for a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before arrival.
✅ European ETIAS: The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will soon be a requirement for non-EU visitors entering Europe.
✅ Entry/Exit System (EES): This new entry/exit system – automated border control system will change how non-EU travelers’ passports are processed at European borders.
Stay informed and travel smart! ✈️
