Emirates Airline has announced its intention to ramp up its capability to process refunds for customers affected by COVID-19 travel disruptions.

The international airline revealed that it has so far received around 500,000 refund requests, and aims to complete the requests by early August.

“It is a difficult time for us, as it is for all airlines,” the President of Emirates Airline, Sir Tim Clark, said in a statement, adding the Dubai airline was reaching into cash reserves in order to be “proactive in processing refunds”.

“We would like to assure our customers and trade partners that we will honour refunds, and that we are doing our best to speed things up,” he added.

The airline also renewed its commitment to its customers and partners who have been affected by the suspension of travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

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“We sincerely hope that our customers and trade partners will choose to book and fly with Emirates again at a later time,” Sir Tim Clark said. “For those who have opted to hold their tickets or exchange it for travel vouchers, we look forward to welcoming you on our flights again soon. Announcements will be made whenever we are able to resume services.”

Prior to the pandemic, Emirates processed an average of 35,000 refund requests each month. Now the airline is gearing up to handle 150,000 per month, and aims to clear the current backlog by early August.

There are currently three options available to Emirates customers:

  • Firstly, passengers are able to keep their existing tickets for up to 24 months, and can call to reschedule. This applies to any ticket booked on or before 30 June 2020, for travel on or before 30 November 2020.
  • Secondly, customers are able to exchange the unused portion of their tickets for a travel voucher equivalent to the amount paid which can be utilised for any Emirates product or service.
  • Finally, customers who decided to keep their tickets can apply for refunds.

Customers who wish to request travel vouchers or refunds can easily do so via an online form on the Emirates website, or contact their travel booking agent for assistance.

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Images: Instagram, Feature Image: Away Luggage