Emirates will not Resume Operations Before July

Major flights all across the globe stand grounded owing to the coronavirus pandemic. At a time when uncertainty looms about borders opening, Emirates has said that its operations will not resume until July. 

The airline suspended its operations in the second week of March and since then has only operated to ferry stranded passengers to and from the United Arab Emirates. The airline’s initial plan was to offer more regular flights before the end of May. However, looking at the current scenario, the chances seem bleak, and the resumption of regular flights has been pushed until July 1.

According to Emirates’ website, the carrier is operating limited passenger flights to carry travellers outbound from the UAE to some destinations, which include Dubai to London Heathrow (four times weekly), Frankfurt (thrice-weekly), Madrid (April 29) and Manila (April 22, 24, 26, 28 and 30).

They have said that all Emirates aircraft will go through enhanced cleaning and disinfection processes in Dubai.

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The carrier said that it is closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation as it evolves and is hoping to resume services as soon as conditions allow, including receiving government approvals, easing travel restrictions and commercial demand.

"We will announce any service resumption when we are in a position to do so,” read the statement. 

Emirates has also stepped up precautionary measures at the airport and on board in an attempt to ensure the safety of its employees as well as its passengers. Cabin crews with personal protective equipment, mask and gloves, physical distancing indicators, thermal temperature scans, are all part of their safety measures. 

From personal protective equipment (PPE) for cabin crew and airport teams to modified inflight services, we have stepped up safety measures for customers and employees at the airport and on board.#FlyEmiratesFlyBetter https://t.co/BNMUXp2vKO pic.twitter.com/UX4mFgQTOW

— Emirates Airline (@emirates) April 21, 2020

Additionally, the airline recently also updated its COVID-19 travel waiver policies. Passengers can either get an extension on their tickets booked before May 31 for travel up to August 31, request extension for travel vouchers, or opt for refunds. 

Emirates puts customers first with flexible COVID-19 waiver policies. Keep your tickets for 760 days, get travel vouchers valid for 2 years or get full refunds. We’re with you every step of the way. https://t.co/RpYsomYizI pic.twitter.com/oWGWJXJJAW

— Emirates Airline (@emirates) April 14, 2020