Emirates CEO released a statement yesterday (read more here) that the airline would resume limited passenger services on April 6, 2020, two weeks after the UAE government closed its borders for passenger traffic.
The airline will initially fly from Dubai to London, Frankfurt, Paris, Zurich, and Brussels. Passengers can depart FROM Dubai, but no traffic is allowed on the return segments. Etihad plans to begin flying to select destinations from April 5.
You can access Emirates here.
Dubai to London appears to operate four times a week Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, but the airline has not yet loaded any availability for these flights.
Then suddenly Emirates would be operating all these flights that are wide open from May 1 (hopefully this is the case).
Here’s the announcement from Emirates:
Approvals obtained to fly passengers outbound from the UAE to some destinations from 06 April. Initial flights to commence from Dubai to London Heathrow, Frankfurt, Paris, Zurich and Brussels
Stringent entry restrictions remain in place at these destinations as well as others across the world; travellers advised to check before travel
Safety and wellbeing of customers and crew remain Emirates’ top priorities
Dubai, UAE, 02 April 2020 – Emirates has received approvals to carry passengers on certain flights. Effective Monday 6 April, initial flights will commence from Dubai to London Heathrow, Frankfurt, Paris, Brussels and Zurich, with 4 flights a week to London Heathrow, and 3 flights a week to the other cities.
Operating from Dubai International airport Terminal 2 until further notice, these flights will only carry outbound passengers from the UAE. Emirates will also carry belly-hold cargo in both directions, supporting trade and communities with the transport of essential goods.
Emirates will operate its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft on these routes, offering seats in Business and Economy class. Flights can be booked by eligible passengers on www.emirates.com. Travel restrictions are in place at these destinations, and travellers are urged to check entry criteria before they fly.
For health and safety reasons, Emirates will operate a modified inflight service programme on these flights. Magazines and other print reading material will not be available, and while food and beverages will continue to be offered on board, packaging and presentation will be modified to reduce contact during meal service Emirates’ Lounge and Chauffeur Drive services will be temporarily unavailable during this period.
All Emirates aircraft will go through enhanced cleaning and disinfection processes in Dubai, after each journey.
And from Etihad:
Etihad will continue to offer such services, and from 5 April, will operate a regular service to a number of destinations starting with Seoul Incheon, and following with others such as Melbourne, Singapore, Manila, Bangkok, Jakarta and Amsterdam. These destinations are subject to government approvals.
Once approved, these flights will be available for booking through etihad.com, the mobile app, by calling the Etihad Airways Contact Centre on +971 600 555 666 (UAE), or through a local or online travel agency.
Conclusion
These first flights will allow foreign nationals to return to their home countries and cargo to be flown to UAE on return segments (no passengers).
Emirates appears to be hopeful that some of the restrictions have been withdrawn from May 1 that would allow a more comprehensive schedule. Let’s hope that this is indeed the case.
