7 Exciting European Fifth-Freedom Routes You Need to Know

The fifth freedom is one of the nine freedoms of the air — a series of rights that allow airlines to operate flights between two countries other than their own, among other privileges. Airlines typically use fifth-freedom flights to connect to or from their home country, generating revenue on segments of the route that do not involve their own airports.

Countries around the globe negotiate these freedoms, facilitating fair commercial flight operations.

For aviation enthusiasts and frequent travelers, fifth-freedom flights are particularly captivating as they provide opportunities to experience airlines that may otherwise require a trip to their home base.

Europe features a intricate web of fifth-freedom flights. Some originate in European cities and travel to other continents, while others remain within Europe itself.

Here are a few of our top picks.

Milan to New York City via Emirates

Perhaps the most enjoyable way to cross the Atlantic, Emirates operates a daily A380 flight starting from Dubai International Airport (DXB). It makes a stop at Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) before heading to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York City.

Emirates' A380 features an onboard bar for first and business class travelers, along with luxurious shower suites for first-class passengers.

You can secure a business class seat on this flight for just 70,000 Air Canada Aeroplan points and 115 Canadian dollars (approximately $85) each way, or opt for first class at 102,000 Emirates Skywards miles plus 129 euros (about $144).

Barcelona to Mexico City via Emirates

Another fantastic way to cross the Atlantic on Emirates without a trip to the Middle East is by flying from Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) to Mexico City International Airport (MEX).

The daily flight duration ranges from 11 hours and 20 minutes to 12 hours and 55 minutes. It's operated by a Boeing 777, which does not feature Emirates' latest premium economy class or first class. Consequently, business class passengers must settle for older seats, some of which lack direct aisle access. Emirates is currently in the process of reconfiguring parts of its 777 fleet, though this will take some time.

Additionally, Emirates' 777s do not include an onboard bar. Nevertheless, as the only nonstop option between these two cities, it's still a convenient and enjoyable way to travel to Mexico.

Travelers can reserve economy seats for just 20,000 Emirates Skywards miles and 76 euros (about $85) each way — a fantastic deal for a flight of this duration; business class seats are available for 96,000 Skywards miles plus 129 euros (approximately $144).

Emirates also runs a daily Boeing 777 fifth-freedom flight from Athens International Airport (ATH) to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).

Frankfurt to New York City on Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines' fifth-freedom route from Frankfurt to New York City is a popular choice among aviation enthusiasts eager to experience this renowned airline. While this route was previously served by the double-decker Airbus A380, it is now flown with a Boeing 777. The Boeing 777 features four classes of service, from economy to first class, but does not include the award-winning Suites, which are exclusive to the airline's A380s.

Nevertheless, it's a fantastic way to cross the Atlantic while enjoying satay and sipping a Singapore Sling cocktail.

You can book this flight with Air Canada Aeroplan points for just 60,000 points each way, plus CA$277 (around $206).

Singapore Airlines also offers a fifth-freedom flight from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH); however, this route is set to discontinue after April 1, 2025.

If you're looking to travel within Europe, you might consider the airline's shorter fifth-freedom route between BCN and MXP.

Amsterdam and Vienna to Bangkok on EVA Airways

You can fly directly from Europe to Thailand with a Taiwanese airline.

EVA Airways is headquartered at Taipei's Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), situated off the coast of China. The airline also operates flights to Bangkok from three major European airports: Heathrow Airport (LHR), Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), and Vienna Airport (VIE).

Whenever possible, we suggest departing from Amsterdam or Vienna to sidestep London's Air Passenger Duty, which can significantly increase your airfare by several hundred dollars.

EVA provides strong offerings in both economy and business class, exceptional customer service, and delightful meals. However, the food is sometimes overshadowed by more renowned Asian airlines like Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines.

You can book these fifth-freedom flights using Air Canada Aeroplan points for 50,000 points each way in economy or 80,000 points in business class, plus CA$147 (approximately $109).

Paris to Los Angeles or Seattle with Air Tahiti Nui

If you're looking for something completely different for your journey from France to the U.S. West Coast — specifically, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) or Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) — consider flying with Air Tahiti Nui, a French airline based in Papeete, French Polynesia.

The airline operates flights from Paris to Papeete with a stop in either Seattle or LA. (The 9,995-mile journey is too long for a single nonstop flight carrying passengers and cargo.)

Business-class award seats are quite rare, but when available, they can be booked for as little as 60,000 Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles plus only $19 in fees and taxes.

Premium economy and economy class seats are much easier to find, costing 40,000 miles and 30,000 miles, respectively.

Ethiopian Airlines' extensive intra-Europe network

Ethiopian Airlines is often regarded as the leader in European fifth-freedom flights. As Africa's largest airline, it connects numerous European cities from its hub at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD). The airline also operates several short-haul tag flights to pick up and drop off additional passengers before returning to Africa.

Ethiopian's fifth-freedom network is frequently updated, and not all flights are daily; however, as of this writing, routes include:

• Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) to Oslo Airport (OSL)
• Geneva Airport (GVA) to Manchester Airport (MAN)
• Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) to Zurich Airport (ZRH)
• Vienna Airport (VIE) to Copenhagen Airport (CPH)
• Rome Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport (FCO) to Marseille Provence Airport (MRS)

You can book these fifth-freedom flights starting at just 7,500 Aeroplan points in economy class or 15,000 points in business class. Fees and taxes vary by route, typically around CA$100 ($74).

Manchester to New York and Orlando on Aer Lingus

Aer Lingus boasts an extensive route network connecting Ireland with Europe and North America. Additionally, it has recently introduced several routes from Manchester (MAN) in the U.K.

These include nonstop flights to New York airports, as well as to Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI) on the beautiful Caribbean island of Barbados.

If you're seeking to travel between the U.K. and North America but can't find award availability with British or American airlines, you can book Aer Lingus without having to visit Ireland.

These flights are an excellent way to utilize Alaska Mileage Plan miles, requiring just 22,500 miles for economy or 45,000 miles for business class on the shorter New York route. For the longer Orlando route, the costs are approximately 27,500 miles in economy and 55,000 miles in business class.

You will only need to pay $18.10 in fees and taxes for flights departing from the U.S. However, if you're flying from the U.K., the APD will significantly increase your costs by several hundred dollars.

Bottom line

Whether you're eager to explore a new airline or aircraft, or simply want to redeem some miles, there's probably a European fifth-freedom route that suits your needs.

The best part is that you can book these flights using points and miles, and award availability is often quite good since these flights typically aren't full (as they involve picking up or dropping off additional passengers beyond their main destination).

For aviation enthusiasts, a fifth-freedom route represents one of the most exciting ways to travel.