Emirates, Etihad Airways and flydubai scrap masks rules on flights to UAE

UAE airlines have announced that passengers are no longer required to wear a mask on flights to Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

“Wearing a face mask is optional in the UAE and on Emirates flights,” Dubai-based airline Emirates said on its website.

Smiles are back on board!

From today, wearing a face mask is optional on all Emirates flights to Dubai. pic.twitter.com/61jtljPwzR

— Emirates Airline (@emirates) September 28, 2022

“If you are travelling from or transiting through Dubai International, the mask rules of your destination will apply throughout your journey,” Emirates added.

Dubai-based flydubai has said that, effective today, passengers travelling to Dubai do not need to wear a face mask while on board their flight. Wearing a mask at the airport is also optional, the carrier said on its website.

As for outbound travellers, the carrier said that starting September 28, the requirement for passengers travelling from or through Dubai to wear a face mask is determined by the rules applicable at the final destination or transit point.

Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways, meanwhile, has also relaxed its rules around masks on board.

“You’ll only need to wear a mask if you’re flying to China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Maldives, Philippines, South Korea, Seychelles or Canada,” the airline said, regarding outbound passengers, on its website.

However, the carrier has advised passengers to check the latest travel requirements on the website for more information.

Meanwhile, Dubai Airports has said that it is not mandatory for passengers to wear face masks at Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC) effective Wednesday, September 28.

“Based on their specific requirements or the rules applicable at intermediate or final destinations, airlines can however request passengers to wear the face mask on board if deemed necessary,” the airport operator said in a statement.

The well-being of all our customers and staff is our topmost priority and Dubai Airports works closely with regulatory authorities, airlines and service partners to ensure a safe and healthy airport environment.

This week, UAE authorities eased mask rules across the country, making them optional in most open and closed facilities and spaces.

Officials also said that wearing masks on flights was also no longer a requirement, but airlines could enforce the directive if they deemed necessary.

Read: Masks no longer required in most public places in UAE