Dubai-based Emirates airline announced that all commercial flights will remain grounded. The airline is yet to confirm a date for resuming services. Earlier, Emirates had said that flights will resume on May 15, 2020, but now, all of those flights will remain suspended.
The airline further added that this could be re-visited depending on the situation. The airline said to The National: “Currently some of our flights are available for booking, however the situation remains dynamic and these flight services could be subject to change,” revealed an Emirates spokesperson.We aim to provide our customers with as much notice as possible should there be any changes”.
Currently, Emirates is operating four weekly services to London Heathrow, and three weekly services to Paris, Frankfurt, Brussels and Zurich. Three more flights from Dubai to Manila have been added. Passengers can book tickets via emirates.com or through travel agents. The decision comes after Emirates’ successful operation of two flights to Manila this week. The flights brought back many Filipino residents and visitors home.
Similar to other repatriation flights that Emirates has operated thus far, for health and safety reasons, the airline will offer a modified inflight service that reduces contact, and the risk of infection. More information is available on emirates.com.
Who Can Board The Flight?
Only citizens of the Philippines and those who meet the entry requirements of the destination will be allowed to board. Passengers will be required to comply with all requirements of the destination country.
What Rules Must Passengers Follow?
Passengers will be required to apply social distancing guidelines during their journey. Furthermore, they must wear their own masks when at the airport and on board the aircraft.
When Should Travellers Arrive At DXB?
Travellers should arrive at Dubai International airport Terminal 3 for check-in, three hours before departure. Emirates’ check-in counters will only process passengers holding confirmed bookings.
What Will Be Provided On-Board?
Magazines and other print reading material are not be available. While food and beverages will be offered on board, the packaging and presentation is modified to reduce contact during meal service, thereby minimizing the risk. Cabin baggages are currently not accepted on flights. Carry-on items allowed in the cabin are limited to laptop, handbag, briefcase or baby items. All other items are required to be checked in, and Emirates will add the cabin baggage allowance to customers’ check-in baggage allowance.
What Else?
Meanwhile, Emirates in coordination with Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has introduced additional precautions for travellers. Apart from following strict onboard hygiene, the airline has also organized on-site Covid-19 tests for passengers. The blood test is conducted in Terminal 3 and tests are given out in 10 minutes. Emirates is the first airline to conduct on-site covid tests for passengers.
Earlier, passengers on flying to Tunisia were tested for COVID-19 before departing from Dubai. Emirates is the first airline to conduct on-site rapid COVID-19 tests for passengers.
The quick blood test was conducted by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and results were available within 10 minutes. The test was conveniently done at the Group Check-in area of Dubai International Airport Terminal 3.