Dubai’s Emirates begins operating flights following suspension due to Covid-19

Dubai airline Emirates has started operating a limited number of flights to bring back UAE citizens stranded abroad due to Covid-19 restrictions.

On Monday, the airline flew in the first batch of UAE citizens from London’s Heathrow Airport to Dubai International Airport. The 42 passengers, including families, were in the United Kingdom for medical and educational purposes.

Emirates also confirmed that it will fly foreign nationals in the UAE who wish to return to their home countries, provided they receive an approval from their governments.

The airline which suspended “most of its flights” on March 25, announced last week that it had received approvals to begin four flights a week to London Heathrow, and three flights a week to Frankfurt, Paris, Brussels and Zurich.

Read more: Update: Dubai’s Emirates says to stop ‘most’ passenger flights from March 25

The carrier will operate its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft on the routes, offering seats in business and economy class. Flights can be booked by eligible passengers on the airline’s website.

“Travel restrictions are in place at these destinations, and travellers are urged to check entry criteria before they fly,” the airline said.

Read: UAE’s Emirates will take to the skies from April 6 – chairman

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and CEO of the Emirates Group, had earlier announced that the airline will bring back all UAE citizens stranded abroad free of cost.

Emirates will also carry belly-hold cargo in both directions, it said.

The airline also stressed that it is taking all the measures to ensure the health and safety of passengers and crew including medical tests for all passengers.

The aircraft will also go through enhanced cleaning and disinfection processes in Dubai, after each journey.

All the passengers arriving into the UAE will have to observe a compulsory 14-day home quarantine, officials said.