Emirates dumps Sydney-Bangkok service

While not unexpected, the change is bad news for points hunters.
One of the inevitable consequences of Qantas returning to Singapore being its key hub for European flights last year rather than flying with its partner Emirates via Dubai was always going to be a reduction in Emirates services between Australia, Asia and the Middle East. Proving that point, Emirates has just announced a cut in its Sydney to Bangkok and Perth to Dubai services.
"With a view to providing more efficient and direct connection options for customers travelling to and from Australia, Emirates will suspend flights EK 418/419 between Bangkok and Sydney from 01 June 2019," Emirates said in a release. Passengers with bookings past that date will be reaccommodated on other services.
Emirates' thrice-daily direct services from Sydney to Dubai will continue. However, if you want to fly to Bangkok, Emirates is recommending you fly Qantas instead.
Emirates is also dumping the EK424/425 Perth to Dubai option, reducing Perth to Dubai to a once-daily service on the EK421/422 combo.
On both counts, for points hunters that's a notable reduction in options. Just recently, I was hunting rewards flights from Australia to Asia and noticed that Emirates had lots of first-class seats between Sydney and Bangkok. Any first-class option between Australia and Asia is notable, but clearly this won't be available for much longer.
Those are the breaks as a points addict. When services go, you don't have any choice but to look for alternatives. While Emirates is suggesting that customers who want to fly Sydney to Bangkok should look to Qantas services, I'm not expecting lots of availability there. If you want to fly oneworld via Bangkok, better options are likely to appear via other carriers such as Malaysia Airlines or Finnair. Bangkok is Finnar's major Asian hub, so that's definitely an option to consider.
Angus Kidman's Findings column looks at new developments and research that help you save money, make wise decisions and enjoy your life more. It appears regularly on finder.com.au.
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