Emirates and Etihad have started operating a limited number of flights bringing residents back into the UAE for the first time since inbound passenger flights were suspended in March.
Air Arabia and flydubai are also now accepting return flight bookings on their respective websites to a number of destinations.
Passengers must have Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) approval from the UAE government before they are allowed to travel and will be subject to stringent entry restrictions, including a mandatory health test upon arrival, a 14-day quarantine period and a follow-on test before their release.
The UAE suspended passenger flights into the country on 23 March as part of its Covid-19 response, with only a small number of flights ferrying Emirati citizens home. To date, Emirates and Etihad have only been operating repatriation flights taking people back to their native countries.
Etihad Airways operated its first inbound flight for over a month on Saturday, allowing residents to travel back into the country from London.
The airline had announced last month plans to resume passenger flights from 16 May, only to later delay until mid-June. However, in its latest update on its website, Etihad has listed a schedule of flights that it says will repatriate UAE nationals and residents to Abu Dhabi.
The airline said on its website: “These flights have been approved by the UAE Government, and we’re working closely with authorities to continue these types of operations.”
Emirates will operate a limited number of flights from destinations including Frankfurt and London Heathrow, according to its website.
All of Emirates’ aircraft are going through enhanced cleaning and disinfection processes in Dubai after each journey. Crew are required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) while on-board aircraft and all passengers must wear masks.
“Covid-19 flight and travel restrictions remain in place across many countries around the world,” Emirates said in an update on its website. “We are closely monitoring the situation as it evolves, and we hope to resume services as soon as conditions allow.”
“This includes receiving government approvals, the easing of travel restrictions and commercial demand. We will announce any service resumption when we are in a position to do so.”
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