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Covid 19: UAE Suspends Passenger & Transit Flights, Emirates Announces Pay Cut

by Angel Merchant
Covid 19: UAE Suspends Passenger & Transit Flights, Emirates Announces Pay Cut

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The UAE has decided to suspend all inbound and outbound passenger flights as well as the transit of airline passengers in the for two weeks. Emirates announced that it will be suspending most flights from 25 March. The airline will continue to fly cargo aeroplanes, but will halt most of its passenger air travel, due to the Corona virus outbreak. The airline has also declared salary cuts ranging from 25 to 50 percent, applied to all staff, with the exception of junior employees.

Numerous countries around the world have promptly closed off their borders. The chairman of Emirates deems it necessary to decrease most travel, to maintain a safe environment. Meanwhile, Emirates has also mentioned a number of countries it will continue services to.  Check out the list below:

  • The United Kingdom
  • Switzerland
  • Hongkong
  • Thailand
  • Malaysia
  • Philippines
  • Japan
  • Singapore
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • South Africa
  • USA
  • Canada

Passenger flights will still be flying to these countries, and updates can always be found on the Emirates Airlines website. The airline continues to keep some flights open, in its endeavour to support all residents of the UAE during this crisis. New travel bans are being imposed on countries every day, and Emirates wants to help all travellers reach their homes safely. They also continue to maintain economic travel links with many countries around the world. Their triple 7 cargo crafts are flying all around the world for the transportation of goods, along with relevant medical supplies.

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Updated at 20:00 DXB time: Having received requests from governments and customers to support the repatriation of travellers, Emirates will continue to operate passenger and cargo flights to the following countries and territories until further notice, as long as borders remain open, and there is demand: the UK, Switzerland, Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Japan, Singapore, Australia, South Africa, South Korea, USA, and Canada. The situation remains dynamic, and travellers can check flight status on Emirates.com. Today we made the painful yet pragmatic business decision to temporarily suspend most of our passenger flights by Wednesday, 25 March 2020. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significantly reduced global travel demand, accelerated by border closures, travel bans and country lockdowns. We will continue Emirates SkyCargo operations to maintain vital international air cargo links for economies and communities. We are committed to preserve and secure the jobs of all Emirates Group employees in this difficult time; we will avoid job cuts. We deeply apologize to our customers for the travel disruptions and inconvenience caused. We are committed to minimize customer impact. Learn more by clicking the link in our bio. We will continue to watch the situation closely, and will reinstate our passenger services, as soon as conditions allow. These are unprecedented times for the airline and travel industry, but we will get through it with your support. Click on the link in our bio for more details about our announcement.

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Sheikh Ahmed is very confident that Emirates can, and will survive this temporary measure.

Salary cuts

Emirates Airlines will also be imposing salary cuts for all high level employees. There will be a temporary salary reduction for 3 months. The cut will range from 25 to 50 percent. The presidents of both Dnata and Emirates, Gary Chapman and Sir Tim Clark, will both take a 100 percent salary cut for the coming 3 months. Emirates hopes this strategy will save them from taking any other drastic measures, such as letting go of employees. They believe this small cut can keep them, and their employees safe, going on into the future.

Also Read: Covid 19: Find Out If Your Street Is Part Of Dubai’s 11-Day Sterilisation Drive

Cost cutting measures

Emirates have also introduced a number of other cost cutting measures, in order to keep themselves afloat during this pressing time. Emirates have stressed their intentions to be up and running as soon things revert back to normal. In order for that goal to be reached, certain cost cutting measures need to be taken now. Below are some tactics the company are using, in order to come out of Covid 19, effective and robust.

  • Freeze on any consultancy and recruitment work
  • Encouragement of all employees to take paid and unpaid leaves
  • Postponing any discretionary expenditures
  • Discussions with suppliers regarding cost effective methods

Initially, the Airline had released the news that ALL flights would be suspended. Now however, with numerous requests from the public, they have decided that some flights will still operate.

Also Read: Covid 19: Find Out If Your Street Is Part Of Dubai’s 11-Day Sterilisation Drive