Emirates Airlines said it has resumed regular passenger services to 9 destinations as of May 21, 2020, after taking all precautions and preventive measures that guarantee the safety of its employees and customers, noting that destinations include: London Heathrow, Frankfurt, Paris, Milan, Madrid, Chicago, Toronto, Sydney and Melbourne. The airline will also allow its customers to continue their travel between the United Kingdom and Australia via Dubai. These flights are available for reservation on the website.
"Those who wish to travel on these trips will be able to book if they meet the specific requirements and conditions of entry to the intended destinations. This includes the approval of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship for the residents of the UAE who wish to return to the country," the carrier added in a press statement today.
"We are working in close cooperation with the authorities to resume operations to other destinations. We have taken additional measures at the airport in coordination with the various relevant authorities regarding sterilization and social separation, as the safety and health of our employees, customers and our communities remain Always our top priority. "
In addition to scheduled flights, Emirates Airlines continues to work closely with embassies and consulates to facilitate the return of visitors and residents to their countries. This week, the airline plans flights from Dubai to Tokyo Narita (May 15), Conakry (May 16 and 17) and Dakar (May 16 and 17).
Emirates Airlines repeatedly emphasizes that it places the safety and health of its customers and employees at the top of its list of priorities. In preparation for the resumption of passenger services, it has stepped up precautions and safety measures on aircraft and at the airport.
Dubai Airport's thermal scanners monitor the temperature of customers and employees. Protective barriers have been installed on the check-in counters as an additional step to ensure the safety of passengers and workers during communication. Wearing gloves and face masks at Dubai International Airport is also mandatory for all customers and employees. All members of air service crews, boarding gate supervisors, and ground services personnel, who are in direct contact with passengers, wear personal protective equipment, which includes a protective overalls and a protective shield.
Signs of social separation have been installed on the ground at the airport and in the waiting areas to ensure that travelers are committed to maintaining a sufficient distance between them and other people during the completion of travel and boarding procedures.
Emirates operates a modified service program on its flights to comply with health and safety regulations. There is no print available on aircraft to reduce the risk of transmission by touch. Passengers are not permitted to carry hand luggage on planes, except for the laptop, personal handbag, and children's bag.
Emirates Airlines has taken precautionary measures to ensure that the aircraft cabins remain clean and hygienic. All fleet aircraft are equipped with HEPA air filters capable of removing 99.97% of viruses, germs, fungi and dust, making the cabin atmosphere clean, safe and comfortable for passengers and crew. All Emirates aircraft are subject to extensive cleaning and sterilization operations upon their return to Dubai after each flight.