Strong demand from the public has resulted in Emirates expanding its free connections offer on Pacific Blue flights from Dunedin International Airport - a move which has been welcomed by chief executive John McCall.
Last month the Dubai-based airline announced Dunedin passengers would be able to take a free domestic flight with Pacific Blue to and from Christchurch to link with Emirates' international flights to Europe and South Africa.
The original offer was for a limited period, on selected routes, but the offer has been extended year-round to cover all long-haul flights with the airline, Emirates New Zealand manager Chris Lethbridge said.
Wellington travellers were offered a similar deal with free connections to and from Auckland and Christchurch, he said.
Dunedin International Airport chief executive John McCall said the announcement was "good news for Dunedin".
"It is good to see an airline raising its presence in Dunedin."
The news comes just a day after Pacific Blue announced it would launch a daily transtasman service from Hamilton, following the withdrawal of Air New Zealand.
"It is very pleasing to see an airline recognising the opportunities in an airport like Hamilton after Air New Zealand pulled out.
"That announcement is encouraging for us," Mr McCall saidAirport representatives continued to talk with other airlines about operating from Dunedin, he said.
