Emirates Airline has announced it is set to to resume flights to 12 Arab countries.

Following the recommencement of regular passenger flights to a series of destinations – including London Heathrow, Paris, Madrid, Milan, Toronto, Sydney and Melbourne – on May 21, the Dubai-based airline will be resuming services to further destinations in the Middle East.

The airline’s website is now permitting bookings for outbound flights to 12 Arab countries – these services will start from July 1.

The 12 destinations include: Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, Lebanon, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Tunisia.

However, in a statement released by the airline, they noted things are subject to change given the current COVID-19 pandemic.

“Currently some of our flights are available for booking starting 1 July, however the situation still remains dynamic and these flight services could be subject to change,” the statement said. “We aim to provide our customers with as much notice as possible should there be any changes.”

UAE residents returning to the country

UAE residents who are currently stranded overseas due to the coronavirus outbreak will be allowed to return from June 1, per an announcement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC) and the Federal Authority For Identity and Citizenship (ICA) earlier this month.

Both authorities outlined the decision was made for the government’s wish to help those who hold a valid residency visa to be reunited with their relatives in the UAE.

“The UAE is keen to facilitate the procedures for holders of valid UAE residency outside the country to reunite with their families who were affected by the precautionary measures taken by the country in light of the current exceptional circumstances to combat COVID-19,” both authorities said in a joint statement.

In order to apply, foreign nationals who hold a valid residency visa for the UAE should register for the ‘Residents’ Entry Permit’ on this website: smartservices.ica.gov.ae.

For those entering the country there are stringent precautions being taken, which have been previously outlined by Dubai-based airline Emirates.

“Stringent entry restrictions remain in place upon arrival in Dubai which includes: a mandatory DHA test on arrival; a mandatory 14-day quarantine and a follow up test before release,” the statement said.

Emirates COVID-19 precautionary measures

As for the precautions being taken by the airline, measures are in place to protect employees and customers alike against the coronavirus outbreak.

All staff members who come into contact with passengers – this includes cabin crew, boarding agents and ground staff  – will now be provided with personal protective equipment (PPE) to wear. As well as gloves and a face mask, PPE includes a protective disposable gown to wear over uniforms and a safety visor.

READ: Here’s what your next UAE airport experience will be like

The airline is also conducting rapid on-site coronavirus tests for passengers. The tests are conducted in coordination with the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), and results are are available within 10 minutes.

As part of other precautions being taken by Emirates, the airline’s check-in and boarding processes have also been altered with barriers added to check-in desks. Similarly, all passengers must wear masks when in the airport and on-board flights. There are also currently no magazines or print material available and food and beverage services have been altered to minimise interactions.

In order to stay up-to-date on the latest flight developments with Emirates, visit their website. 

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