Emirates Airline has announced it is recommencing scheduled passenger flights from next week.

Starting on May 21, the Dubai-based airline will be resuming flights to nine cities in eight countries, which also include flights connecting via Dubai, from Australia to the United Kingdom.

The eight cities where passenger services will be operating to include: London Heathrow, Paris, Madrid, Milan, Toronto, Sydney and Melbourne.

The Chief Operating Officer, Adel Al Redha, said that the airline is “working closely with the authorities to plan the resumption of operations to additional destinations”.

“We have implemented additional measures at the airport in coordination with the relevant authorities in respect to social distancing and sanitisation,” he said. “The safety and wellbeing of our employees, customers and communities, remain our top priority.”

It also should be noted that while flights are available for passengers, they need to ensure “they comply with the eligibility and entry criteria requirements of their destination countries”.

Along with the airline’s announcement, Emirates also confirmed they would continue to operate their scheduled repatriate flights.

Incoming Emirates flights to Dubai

Earlier this week, it was announced by Emirates they would be launching limited incoming passenger flights to Dubai, in order to allow residents and citizens to return home.

Locations that flights are set to operate flights into Dubai include flights from London Heathrow and Frankfurt – both of which are destinations for repatriate flights out of Dubai at present. Other locations are set to be updated, according to the Emirates website.

In order to return to the UAE and get a flight booked, a Twajudi form must be completed in order to apply for approval from the Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC).

Upon approval from MOFAIC, passengers will be able to book onto an available Emirates flight using their unique ICA number.

In a statement released by the Dubai airline, Emirates said there would be “stringent entry restrictions” along with a 14-day quarantine.

“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.

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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Feature Image: Sara Shakeel Instagram