Emirates (EK, Dubai International) will commence non-stop Dubai International-Auckland International, New Zealand flights with effect from March 1 of this year.

The 14,200 km-long sector will operate on-board B777-200LR equipment, and will supplant the Emirati carrier's impending Panamá City Tocumen International service as the longest direct flight in the world. The outbound sector from Dubai will last just under 16 hours with the inbound slated for 17 hours and 15 minutes.

“Having just one stop on the long haul to New Zealand will make the journey quicker and more comfortable. This will be a boon to many business people, tourists, expatriate New Zealanders and other travellers in Europe, parts of Africa and the Middle East,” Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group, said.

Once up and running, the flight will compliment Emirates' 3x daily A380-800 return service between Dubai and Auckland which operates via Melbourne Airport, Sydney Kingsford Smith and Brisbane International in Australia.