Dubai’s state-owned flag carrier Emirates has announced its plan to operate scheduled flights starting 21 May 2020. The resumption of passenger flights will include nine destinations:
- London Heathrow
- Frankfurt
- Paris
- Milan
- Madrid
- Chicago
- Toronto
- Sydney
- Melbourne
The airline will also offer connectioning flights in Dubai for customers travelling between the United Kingdom and Australia.
It is important to note that travelers will only be accepted on these flights if they comply with the eligibility and entry criteria requirements of their destination countries. This may include an approval from the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) for UAE residents who wish to return to Dubai.
“We are pleased to resume scheduled passenger services to these destinations, providing more options for customers to travel from the UAE to these cities, and also between the UK and Australia. We are 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 sanitization. The safety and wellbeing of our employees, customers and communities, remain our top priority,” according to Adel Al Redha, Chief Operating Officer of Emirates.
Repatriation Flights
In addition to the scheduled services, Emirates will also continue to work closely with embassies and consulates to facilitate repatriation flights for visitors and residents wishing to return home. This week, the airline plans to operate flights from Dubai to Tokyo Narita (15 May 2020), Conakry (16 May 2020), and Dakar (16 May 2020).
Health & Safety
In preparation for the resumption of flight services, Emirates has already enhanced various precautionary measures throughout the customer journey. For example, at the Dubai International airport, customers and employees will have their temperatures checked via thermal scanners. Protective barriers have been installed at check-in counters to provide additional safety during the interaction. Gloves and masks are mandatory for all customers and employees at the airport.
In addition, all Emirates’ cabin crew, boarding agents, and ground staff who interact directly with travelers are required to don personal protective equipment (PPE) including a protective disposable gown and safety visor.
Social distancing protocols will also be implemented. At this airport, this includes physical indicators being placed on the ground and at waiting areas in the airport to ensure travellers maintain a safe distance.
For health and safety reasons and to minimize interaction on-board, Emirates will offer a modified in-flight service that focuses on reducing contact and infection risk. Magazines and print reading material will not be available during this time. Cabin baggage has to be checked-in, and customers can only bring essential items such as a laptop, handbag, briefcase or baby items on board.
Emirates has initiated a stringent safety program to ensure aircraft cabins remain clean and sanitary. The airline’s modern aircraft cabins have been fitted with advanced HEPA air filters which remove 99.97% of viruses and eliminate dust, allergens, and germs from cabin air for a healthier and safer on-board environment. After its journey and on landing in Dubai, each aircraft will go through enhanced cleaning and disinfection processes to ensure safety and proper sanitation.