Covid-19: Suspension of flights stay; only special, cargo services from next week: UAE aviation authority

The clarification comes in wake of Emirates and Etihad announcing resumption of services to select destination.

The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) on Friday said that all passenger flights to and from the UAE remain temporarily suspended except for cargo and evacuation flights.
The Authority’s clarification comes in wake of Emirates and Etihad Airways announcing resumption of services to select destination from next week.
“The GCAA affirmed that the decision to suspend all inbound and outbound passenger flights and the transit of airline passengers in the UAE is still in effect as part of the precautionary measures taken to curb the spread of the Covid-19
Till date, airlines in the UAE are operating evacuation and cargo flights and on Thursday received approvals to start some passenger flights. From April 6, Emirates will carry passengers from Dubai to London Heathrow, Frankfurt, Paris, Brussels and Zurich, with four flights a week to London Heathrow, and three flights a week to the other cities.
Meanwhile, Etihad Airways will fly to seven international destinations from April 5. Seoul Incheon will be the first destination served once flights resume followed with Melbourne, Singapore, Manila, Bangkok, Jakarta and Amsterdam.
“Only passenger flights carrying the UAE residents and visitors wishing to return back to their respective home countries have been temporarily allowed after ensuring all relevant precautionary measures required by the Ministry of Health and Prevention have been taken,” the GCAA underlined on Friday.