In the wake of the temporary suspension of passenger operations, and as part of the precautionary measures announced by the National Authority for Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management and the General Authority for Civil Aviation in the Emirates, national carriers strengthened air freight services to and from the UAE, via a network of 117 global destinations, as airlines added National more new stations, during the recent period.

With the increasing demand, the national carriers resorted to allocating some passenger planes to operate as full cargo flights, to ensure a flexible flow of commodity traffic. According to national carriers, and with the continued repercussions of the Covid-19 epidemic, air shipments remain a vital partner in providing medicines and medical equipment, perishable items, valuable goods, mail, parts and electronic tools to the affected areas.

"Fly Emirates"

Emirates Airlines said it has expanded its shipping operations rapidly in the recent period, as the carrier has strengthened cargo flights in the context of connecting global destinations, and the great demand for air freight services.

Currently, the airline operates flights to 60 global destinations, and in addition to the current schedule for freight forwarding to 18 cities, a completely new network has been established that includes 42 freight destinations, operating using passenger aircraft (777-300ER), which carry cargo only, to help support The flow of commodities and trade, while all cargo handling operations in Dubai have been moved to Dubai International Airport, to help unite efforts and improve efficiency.

Dnata, for its part, continued to support other cargo operators at Al Maktoum International Airport. Boeing 777F cargo planes provide more than 100 tons per flight, while Boeing 777 passenger aircraft have a capacity of 50 tons.

Etihad Airways

In turn, Etihad Cargo, the shipping and logistics arm of Etihad Airways, currently operates up to 100 flights per week to more than 32 destinations on five continents, and plans to introduce additional special cargo flights in the coming weeks.

Etihad Airways revealed that it has launched additional flights using Boeing 787-10 passenger-free aircraft to supplement and enhance the capacity of its current fleet of Boeing 777F aircraft, and each aircraft will provide 12 platforms and four containers, to transport up to 45 Tons of tonnage.

By adding Boeing 787s to its existing fleet, Etihad Cargo will ensure continued import of vital materials, at a time when it has confirmed that it will continue to play a vital role in ensuring that import and supply needs are met in the UAE in accordance with the current demand, as well as ensuring delivery of goods. Fresh, pharmaceutical and medical supplies, as part of global efforts to tackle the new Corona epidemic (Covid-19).

"fly Dubai"

For its part, flydubai has allocated six new Boeing 737-800 aircraft to operate as full cargo flights, to ensure a flexible flow of basic commodities through its network and outside.

Flydubai provided freight services with 44 flights that carried 146 tons of cargo, and also operated flights to nine destinations: Azerbaijan, Egypt, India, Kuwait, Lebanon, Montenegro, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Sudan.

"Arabia Airlines"

Air Arabia revealed that it operates special flights for air freight and passengers together, this April to 16 destinations.

She emphasized that she is committed to responding to requests to operate one-way trips for travelers who wish to return to their home countries, and air cargo flights that were announced, after obtaining the necessary approvals, and continued to cooperate closely with the relevant authorities in the UAE, to take appropriate steps in this regard.