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Emirates has announced its plans to resume international passenger flights from next week onwards, which were suspended amid worldwide restrictions imposed by the Coronavirus lockdown. By Manya Saini
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Emirates has announced that it will resume scheduled passenger flights to nine destinations starting from May 21. UAE’s flagship airlines will begin operations with connections to eight countries including the UK and Australia via Dubai. The flying list includes London Heathrow, Paris, Milan, Frankfurt, Chicago, Madrid, Toronto, Sydney and Melbourne.
The passengers according to the airlines will only be allowed to board these flights if they satisfy and comply with the eligibility criteria of the arrival countries. This includes receiving approval from the Federal Authority and Citizenship for UAE residents who are looking to return to Dubai from abroad. There will also be temperature checks to ensure no passenger has a fever or cough to reduce the risk of infection to others.
The airlines have said that all possible regulatory measures are being adopted to ensure the safety of passengers, including protective barriers at check-in counters and personal protective equipment for staff who directly interact with passengers like the cabin crew, boarding agents, and ground staff.
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Passengers, onboard these flights will be required to wear a mask and gloves from the time they check-in until they disembark from the airline. For the safety of travellers, Emirates has further said that it will follow all social distancing protocols, which will be implemented with space indicators being placed on the ground and in waiting areas.
While travellers will be allowed to carry essential items such as handbags, laptops, and briefcases, the rest of the cabin baggage will be mandatorily checked in at the airport. The airlines have also removed reading materials and magazines, which were previously provided to passengers for leisure onboard.
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In addition to these services which are scheduled, according to reports, the airline is also looking to work in collaboration with consulates and embassies to operate repatriation flights for visitors as required.
Related: A One-Way Flight Between Delhi-Mumbai Post COVID-19 Is Likely To Cost You This Much!