Emirates Airline is to run a limited number of outbound-only passenger flights from Dubai’s DXB airport, starting from Monday April 6 – and the destinations have now been announced.
Initial flights will go from London Heathrow, Frankfurt, Paris, Brussels and Zurich, with four flights a week to London Heathrow, and three flights a week to the other cities.
“Emirates has received UAE government approvals to operate passenger flights to certain cities. Initial flights from 6 April to London Heathrow, Frankfurt, Paris, Zurich and Brussels will only carry passengers outbound from Dubai,” read a statement on Twitter.
“We advise travellers to check all destination entry requirements. We continue to monitor the situation and will announce further plans for service resumption.
“The safety and well-being of customers and crew remain our top priority. We have taken several health and safety measures across our operations for your added peace of mind.”
Emirates has received UAE government approvals to operate passenger flights to certain cities. Initial flights from 6 April to London Heathrow, Frankfurt, Paris, Zurich and Brussels will only carry passengers outbound from Dubai. @DXB https://t.co/sRCpfiuzer 1/3 pic.twitter.com/RfbWgL9YW2
— Emirates Airline (@emirates) April 2, 2020
We advise travellers to check all destination entry requirements. We continue to monitor the situation and will announce further plans for service resumption. 2/3 pic.twitter.com/hIGmQHEpJw
— Emirates Airline (@emirates) April 2, 2020
The safety and well-being of customers and crew remain our top priority. We have taken several health and safety measures across our operations for your added peace of mind. Read more. https://t.co/sRCpfiuzer 3/3 pic.twitter.com/JbTxkcccFS
— Emirates Airline (@emirates) April 2, 2020
Arabian Business reports that other cities will follow, and destinations in the US could be added.
HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group said: “These initial passenger services, although limited to travellers who meet the entry requirements set by the destination countries, will be welcomed by our customers seeking to return home to their countries and families. We would like to thank the UAE government and all our partners for their support in ensuring the smooth operation of our flights.
“While we hope to resume full operations as soon as possible, we acknowledge the challenges faced by many cities in dealing with the COVID-19 outbreak. Our network can only be restored with the easing of travel restrictions, and we maintain close contact with all authorities for latest updates. We are working closely with the authorities to resume our services, keeping in mind the safety and wellbeing of our crew and customers at every step of the journey. We continuously review the situation and will announce any additional services as they become available.”
Emirates will operate a modified inflight service programme on these flights, with magazines unavailable. Food will continue to be served on board, but and presentation will be modified to reduce contact during meal service. Emirates’ Lounge and Chauffeur Drive services will be temporarily unavailable.
All Emirates aircraft will go through enhanced cleaning and disinfection processes in Dubai, after each journey.
The news that a limited number of flights would resume came from Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chairman and Chief Executive Emirates Airline & Group on Thursday April 2.
Flights have been suspended in the UAE since 11.59pm on Tuesday March 24 in light of the global coronavirus pandemic.
