Manila, June 29 -- Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) announced on Monday the resumption of direct Manila-Dubai services beginning Oct. 2.

PAL will initially operate four weekly flights but plans to progressively increase service to daily as operational considerations allow.

"The resumption of Dubai flights will strengthen connectivity for overseas Filipinos, business travelers, tourists, and cargo customers traveling between the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates," PAL said in a statement, adding that Dubai also serves as an important gateway to destinations across the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.

The resumption of flights between Manila and Dubai "also comes as travel between the Philippines and the United Arab Emirate...