Emirates to resume flights to nine cities

Emirates Airlines has announced its plan to operate scheduled flight services from 21 May to nine destinations: London, Frankfurt, Paris, Milan, Madrid, Chicago, Toronto, Sydney, and Melbourne. 

The airline will also offer connections in Dubai for customers travelling between the UK and Australia. 

Passengers can book these flights on emirates.com.

Travellers will only be accepted on these flights if they comply with the eligibility and entry criteria requirements of their destination countries. This includes an approval from the Federal Authority for Identify and Citizenship (ICA) for United Arab Emirates residents who wish to return to Dubai.

Emirates' Chief Operating Officer Adel Al Redha said, "We are pleased to resume scheduled passenger services to these destinations, providing more options for customers to travel from the UAE to these cities, and also between the UK and Australia."

"We are working closely with the authorities to plan the resumption of operations to additional destinations. We have implemented additional measures at the airport in coordination with the relevant authorities in respect to social distancing and sanitisation. The safety and wellbeing of our employees, customers and communities, remain our top priority," said Adel.

In addition to the scheduled services, Emirates will also continue to work closely with embassies and consulates to facilitate repatriation flights for visitors and residents wishing to return home. 

In preparation for the resumption of flight services, the airline has already enhanced various precautionary measures throughout the journey to ensure passengers' and employees' safety.

At Dubai International airport, customers and employees will have their temperatures checked via thermal scanners. Protective barriers have been installed at check-in counters to provide additional safety during interactions. Gloves and masks are mandatory for all customers and employees at the airport.

In addition, Emirates' cabin crew, boarding agents and ground staff who interact directly with travellers will don personal protective equipment (PPE) including a protective disposable gown and safety visor. Social distancing protocols will also be implemented at the airport.

For health and safety reasons, and to minimise interaction on-board, Emirates will offer a modified in-flight service that focuses on reducing contact and infection risk. Magazines and print reading material will not be available during this time. Cabin baggage must be checked-in, and customers can only bring essential items such as a laptop, handbag, briefcase, or baby items on board.

Emirates has also initiated a stringent safety programme to ensure aircraft cabins remain clean and sanitary. 

The airline's aircraft cabins have been fitted with advanced HEPA air filters which remove 99.97% of viruses and eliminate dust, allergens and germs from cabin air for a healthier and safer on-board environment.

After its journey, and on landing in Dubai, each aircraft will go through enhanced cleaning and disinfection processes to ensure safety and proper sanitation.