It has been announced by Emirates Airline a limited number of incoming passenger flights to the UAE are set to be launched.
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.
The airline also added they aim to relaunch regular services as soon as it is permissible.
“We are closely monitoring the situation as it evolves, and we hope to resume services as soon as conditions allow,” the statement continued. “This includes receiving government approvals, the easing of travel restrictions, and commercial demand.
“We will announce any service resumption when we are in a position to do so.”
Once travellers have the required approval in order to return to the UAE, a flight can be booked via the Emirates website, as you normally would. However, if the message ‘not applicable’ appears, it means the flight is fully booked meaning a new date will need to be selected.
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 announcement of further protection methods against COVID-19 comes after Emirates revealed they would now be 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.
