COVID-19: Emirates Airline wants to commence partial operation to only 5 countries
Barely two weeks after suspending operations globally in response to the spread of COVID-19, Emirates airline is planning to begin partial operation from its base in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to five European countries.
The COVID-19 pandemic, with over one million cases across the world, has severely impacted the global economy, forcing businesses to shut down and the aviation sector was not spared in the shutdown.
Following the closure of borders by many nations to curb COVID-19 spread, Emirates Airlines, a subsidiary of The Emirates Group owned by the government of Dubai temporarily suspended flights.
In a statement on its website on Thursday, Emirates said it has received approvals to carry passengers on certain flights effective Monday 6 April. The initial flights will commence from iDubai to London Heathrow, Frankfurt in Germany, Paris in France, Brussels in Belgium and Zurich in Switzerland.
It will fly to London Heathrow four times a week, and run three flights a week to the other cities and the flights will only carry outbound passengers from the UAE. Emirates said will also carry belly-hold cargo in both directions, supporting trade and communities with the transport of essential goods.
“While we hope to resume full operations as soon as possible, we acknowledge the challenges faced by many cities in dealing with the COVID-19 outbreak. Our network can only be restored with the easing of travel restrictions, and we maintain close contact with all authorities for latest updates,” Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Emirates airline said.
To ensure safety, Emirates said all its aircraft will go through enhanced cleaning and disinfection processes in Dubai, after each journey. 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. Its airport lounge and Chauffeur Drive services will also be temporarily unavailable during this period.
