Emirates could begin flights to Christchurch in near future

Emirates, the Dubai-based airline, may begin flying to Christchurch as early as June.

Company chairman Maurice Flanagan said yesterday that a service linking Christchurch and Melbourne was "pencilled in" to begin soon.

Since launching in New Zealand last year, Emirates has become the third-biggest carrier across the Tasman.

Flanagan said direct flights between Auckland and Dubai were also being investigated.